Artwork
Den barmhjertige samaritan
Den barmhjertige samaritan is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Joakim Skovgaard. It dates from 1917 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Den barmhjertige samaritan, painted in 1917 by Danish artist Joakim Frederik Skovgaard, is an oil on canvas work that interprets the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan. Executed in a Symbolist idiom, the composition presents a dramatic, night‑time landscape populated by a wounded figure, a horse‑riding rescuer, and a watchful dog.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures the moment of compassionate aid: a man on horseback guides another horse while a bound, injured traveler lies on the ground, swathed in cloth. The inclusion of the dog, observing the rescue, underscores themes of loyalty and the universal call to mercy inherent in the biblical narrative.
Technique & Style
Skovgaard employs a heavy impasto technique, applying thick, textured paint that emphasizes the rugged terrain and jagged trees. Broad, vigorous brushstrokes generate a sense of immediacy, while stark chiaroscuro contrasts illuminate the central figures against a dark, uneven background, heightening emotional tension.
History & Provenance
Known primarily for his fresco work in Viborg Cathedral, Skovgaard turned to easel painting later in his career, producing this work during the final years of his life. The painting entered private collections shortly after its completion and has since been documented in Danish art inventories.
Context
Created amid the turmoil of World War I, the painting reflects contemporary anxieties and a turn toward spiritual introspection. Its Symbolist approach aligns with broader European trends that favored allegorical content and expressive surface treatment over strict realism.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Joakim Frederik Skovgaard (18 November 1856 – 9 March 1933) was a Danish painter. He is remembered above all for the frescos which decorate Viborg Cathedral.
