The Samaritan woman is depicted in a scene with Jesus and the disciples. The text describes Jesus’s encounter with the woman at the well as with him alone prior to being joined by the disciples (John 4:8, 27). She is depicted in a pose indicating she was at the well for the purpose of drawing water and is hard at work bracing herself as she heaves the heavy water up. Jesus’s left hand is extended in a gesture of blessing while the disciples are distracted. He is posed to tell her about the living water that he provides as the Messiah. The disciples behind Jesus seem to be confused about the situation. The figure in the back, likely Peter, is slightly turned away.
Title of Art: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well
Subjects: The Samaritan Woman, Jesus
Subject Century: 1st
Ritual Pose/Object: well, Jesus extending his hand in the Latin gesture of benediction
Artist: Unknown
Art Form: Illustration
Date of Composition: c. 1420
Event: The Woman at the Well
Exhibit Institution: The Met Cloisters (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Exhibit Location: New York City, New York
VM Image #: 204