The Good Samaritan
Painting on lined canvas • Follower of Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)
Style & Movement
Dutch Baroque / Dutch Golden Age
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing chiaroscuro and atmospheric glazing techniques typical of the Dutch Golden Age
Creation Period
Late 17th Century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 30 inches (estimate); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A biblical scene from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, specifically the arrival at the inn. The composition features a horse/pony held by a youth in the foreground, with the injured traveler being lifted by attendants toward the entrance of an inn in the background under architectural arches. The scene is set against a landscape at dusk with a dramatic focus on light and shadow.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Restored and Cleaned); The canvas has been lined and the paint surface reveals signs of professional cleaning and stabilization.
Estimated Market Value
£10,000 - £15,000 GBP
Auction Estimate
£8,000 - £12,000 GBP
Provenance History
Likely former private collection; stylistic similarities and lineage associated with the 1633 Rembrandt etching (Metropolitan Museum 41.1.53) and 18th-century copies like those in the Lamport House collection.
Art Historical Significance
A notable 17th-century interpretation of a highly influential Rembrandt composition. This version serves as evidence of the enduring commercial and artistic demand for Rembrandt's narratives shortly after his death, representing the widespread dissemination of his iconography into painted mediums by skilled followers.
Notable Features
Housed in a decorative gilded composite frame of later date; composition specifically follows the 1633 etching, including the architectural details of the inn and the specific pose of the foreground figure and mount.
Condition Issues
Visible lining suggesting previous structural fragility, minor craquelure throughout appropriate for age, possible localized retouches under UV light within the darker shadow regions.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable environment with 45-55% humidity; utilize low-UV museum lighting; professional inspection of the lining adhesion every 10 years.
Collector Notes
Late 17th century oil on lined canvas in restored and cleaned condition The composition is based on an early etching titled the Good Samaritan held at the Metroplitan Musueum accession no. 41.1.53 There are a few other known versions from the 18th century of this work one of which is in the Lamport House collection and is listed as Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) (after) - The Good Samaritan. Two other later versions have appeared at auction since 2000 . Christie's Amsterdam 26 Feb, 2008 Lot. 65 and Estimate £ 6-8,000 GBP Bonhams New Bond Street London 25 Sep, 2024 - 02 Oct, 2024 Lot 30. The painting analysed appears likely to be an earlier version based on Rembrandts etching of 1633. There is a variation of the composition held at the Wallace