Who painted The Good Samaritan?

The Good Samaritan was painted by Gustave Moreau in 1868.

Where can I see The Good Samaritan?

The Good Samaritan is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Good Samaritan?

The Good Samaritan is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Good Samaritan

Gustave Moreau , 1868

The Good Samaritan is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Gustave Moreau. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2024.32
Credit line: Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund

About this work

Overview

The Good Samaritan is a drawing by Gustave Moreau, created using watercolor to achieve a dense, layered effect. The work depicts a scene from a biblical parable.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing illustrates the moment when the Samaritan relinquishes his mount to aid a wounded traveler, emphasizing the act of selfless kindness between two individuals from different backgrounds.

Technique & Style

Moreau employed watercolor in a way that yields a rich, jewel-like quality, imbuing the scene with an emotional and dreamlike atmosphere. The figures are set against a backdrop of dark, swirling rocks, creating a sense of depth and mystery.

Context

This work is characteristic of Symbolism, a movement that prioritized the expression of inner experiences and ideas over realistic representation. Moreau's interpretation of a traditional biblical narrative reflects this emphasis on imagination and interiority.