Above the procession of female martyrs in the incredible Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, a mosaic of Jesus encountering the woman at the well memorializes her inclusion in the story of Scripture. He is extending a hand gesture of blessing while she draws water. In the Greek Orthodox tradition,she is venerated as Saint Photini, a name that means "enlightened one." The Greek Orthodox celebrate her continued evangelism after the biblical event and remember her torture and martyrdom under Emporer Nero.
Title of Art: Jesus and the Woman at the Well
Subjects: The Samaritan Woman, Jesus
Subject Century: 1st
Ritual Pose/Object: well, Jesus extending his hand in blessing
Artist: Unknown
Art Form: Mosaic
Date of Composition: Sixth Century
Event: The Woman at the Well
Exhibit Institution: Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Exhibit Location: Ravenna, Italy
VM Image #: 0205
Photographer: Kelly Dippolito
Date of Photograph: January 9, 2026