Artwork
The Good Samaritan
The Good Samaritan is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1920.604
- Credit line
- Gift of Ralph King
About this work
Overview
The Good Samaritan, a print by Alphonse Legros from 1884, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts a poignant scene of assistance along a pathway.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a moment of aid, with a kneeling figure tending to a injured person lying on the ground, arm outstretched. The kneeling figure's averted face maintains anonymity, emphasizing the act over the individual.
Technique & Style
Characterized by quick, scratchy lines in the background and expressive shading, the work showcases Legros' Realist approach, capturing everyday humanity with textured, nuanced renderings of clothing and skin.
History & Provenance
Created in 1884, the print is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, with its provenance reflecting Legros' contribution to late 19th-century European art.
Context
Aligned with the Realist movement, the piece focuses on a relatable, everyday scene of human compassion, diverging from idealized or romanticized subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation:; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
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