The Priest Passing the Man c. 17th century

Curator: This engraving, "The Priest Passing the Man," is by Simon Frisius, who lived from 1575 to 1628. Editor: It’s like a snapshot of a forgotten story—dark, tangled woods, a figure sprawled out… feels ominous. Curator: The scene depicts the parable of the Good Samaritan. Note how Frisius uses the landscape to emphasize the figures’ moral choices. The priest and Levite are framed by dense foliage, suggesting their obstructed vision. Editor: Right, and the textures! It’s just lines, but they create such depth, such heavy shade. Makes you wonder what Frisius was really thinking about faith, about duty, about… seeing. Curator: Indeed. The work invites us to consider the social structures that influence our perception and actions. Editor: It's a stark reminder that seeing isn't always believing, or doing the right thing.