Dutch School Still-life Prints

This sumptuous 18th-century mezzotint engraving by Richard Earlom (1743-1822) is after a work by Dutch luminary Jan Van Huysum (1682-1749). In the late 18th century, Richard Earlom ...

This stunning etching was realized by the baroque master Rembrandt van Rijs in Holland, 1634. The composition pictures Jesus Christ with a hand outstretched, identified with his long flowing locks, donning a robe with a his hand outstretched as he addressed the female figure next to him. The lady holds the well chain with the bucket of freshly drawn water resting on the edge of the cobbled rock well. The lady looks on in rapt attention, one hand resting on the crumbling edge of a embankment. In the background there are a series of archways, and two men in the midst of gossiping (perhaps at the sight of Jesus). Rembrandt executed the etching in delicate chiaroscuro that masterfully illustrates the light, perspective and emotion of the scene as only he is able to. The work depicts Jesus Christ and the woman of Samaria recalling the passage from the biblical verse John 4:5-30 in which Jesus speaks to a peasant Samaritan woman fetching water from a well. "There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.' For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, 'How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?' For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. The parable demonstrates Jesus' kind regard for all peoples regardless of social stature. With its elegant composition and incredible artistry (by one of the most influential and celebrated artists of all time), this work promises to delight discerning collectors of historically important works. It represents a winning acquisition for lovers of fine art (especially those with an interest in first rate Renaissance works), and also those with a penchant for religious and biblical art...