Christ and the Woman of Samaria

Description

A pen and bistre drawing attributed to Drost, depicting the biblical encounter between Christ and the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's well (John 4:4–42). Unusually small in scale, it may be a preparatory study.

Analysis

This drawing is attributed to Drost by the Barber Institute. The fluent pen work and compositional arrangement show affinities with Rembrandt's approach to the same subject, while the handling of the figures and the well setting suggest a young artist still developing his personal style. The early date (c. 1648–49) would place it very early in Drost's career, possibly while still in Rembrandt's workshop.