GUERCINO
(b. 1591, Cento, d. 1666, Bologna)

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well

1640-41
Oil on canvas, 116 x 156 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

This composition presents the figures in three-quarter length behind the ledge of the well which serves as a border, and with a low-horizoned landscape behind. Guercino is known to have studied Venetian painting, and this is evident in his bold use of colour (particularly in the figure of Christ) and his painting of the landscape and sky with dense, dark clouds.




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