The artwork, titled “Christ and the Woman of Samaria,” was created by Frank Mason in 1973. It belongs to the Classical Realism and Tenebrism art movements and represents a significant piece in the genre of religious painting.
The artwork depicts an intimate and dramatic encounter between Christ and the woman of Samaria, rendered with a remarkable mastery of chiaroscuro that accentuates the emotional gravity of the scene. The use of tenebrism, characterized by prominent contrasts between light and dark, draws attention to the face of the woman, expressing a mixture of surprise and contemplation. Her wide-eyed gaze implies a profound moment of recognition or realization. In contrast, Christ’s form is shown mostly in shadow, emphasizing the ethereal nature of his presence. The brushwork in the artwork is composed of rich, dark hues with strategic highlights that suggest an almost mystical interaction, capturing not only the visual moment but also the spiritual essence of this biblical story.
