The good samaritan (1912)

Udo Keppler's vibrant and compelling illustration, "The Good Samaritan," masterfully brings to life the timeless parable from the Biblical Gospel of Luke. Painted in 1912, Keppler captures a moment of compassion set against a serene yet rugged landscape that suggests the perilous journey between Jerusalem and Jericho.In the foreground of the scene, the Good Samaritan kneels, tending to the wounds of an injured man who lies on the ground. His attention is focused and gentle as he applies an ointment from a small vessel, demonstrating the act of mercy at the parable's heart. The wounded man, in a stark contrast of red, appears vulnerable and exhausted, evoking a sense of urgent human need and the profound humanity of the Samaritan's gesture.The background offers a more expansive view: rocky terrain stretches under a wide sky, with distant figures that hint at the earlier passersby who ignored the injured man. A lone donkey, which the Samaritan presumably used to transport the injured, stands by—an additional symbol of the practical assistance provided.The use of color and meticulous detail by Keppler not only enhances the narrative but also brings an emotional depth to the scene, emphasizing themes of empathy, aid, and moral duty that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.