While this painting is from the Classical Period, it exhibits early Romanticism technique and mood. The setting of Samaria is illustrated as classical ruins, and the scene portrays urgency of movement. The fabric on the woman flies as she actively draws water from the well. Jesus reclines with a text on his lap, pointing both to the well water and to himself as the source of living water. The men in the background most likely represent the disciples having a discussion about Jesus speaking with a woman about theological truths. A palm tree, a symbol of resurrection in art, rises from behind Christ. The scaffolding behind the scene creates the shape of a cross, foreshadowing Christ's sacrificial death.