The Good Samaritan

Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps

Created:
Movement:
1860
Realism
key Notes:
Orientalist depiction, compassionate aid
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Dimensions:
36 5/8 x 29 1/8 in. (93 x 74 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"The Good Samaritan" by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps was created in 1853 and is a significant work that reflects the artist's interest in biblical themes and moral narratives. Decamps was known for his ability to convey emotion and drama through his use of color and light. The painting depicts the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating the act of compassion and charity towards a wounded traveler. This subject matter aligns with the Romantic movement's emphasis on individual experience and moral values. The work is characterized by its dynamic composition and vivid portrayal of figures, showcasing Decamps' skill in rendering human emotion. The painting is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Strasbourg, France. Further details about its provenance or exhibition history are not widely documented.

Description of the work:

"The Good Samaritan" by Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps, created in 1853, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a biblical scene from the parable of the Good Samaritan. The composition features a Samaritan tending to a wounded traveler, set against a natural landscape that emphasizes the emotional gravity of the moment. The figures are rendered with a strong attention to detail, showcasing Decamps' skill in capturing human expressions and gestures. The use of light and shadow creates a dramatic contrast, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figures. The color palette is rich and varied, with warm earth tones dominating the scene, contributing to the overall sense of compassion and humanity. The background includes elements of nature, such as trees and rocks, which frame the central action and provide context to the narrative. The painting exemplifies Decamps' ability to blend realism with a romanticized interpretation of the subject matter.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Good Samaritan