Henryk Siemiradzki and 3 paintings on Ancient Roman and Biblical themes

Today, for your viewing pleasure, I present 3 paintings by the Russian-Polish artist Henryk Siemiradzki.

Henryk Siemiradzki, 1843-1902.

Image source

Christ and the Samaritan Woman, 1890, oil on canvas

The artist painted portraying the following quote from the Bible:

John 4:14 "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life."

So, Jesus came to the Samaritan city of Sychar. He was tired of the long journey and sat down near the Jacob's Well, which had already given water to people for 1800 years. It was noon, the hottest time of the day. A Samaritan woman approached the well. Usually, women went to the well in the morning, when there is still a cool after the night. Women walked in groups or met each other near a well. It was their chance to discuss the latest gossip and news before they turn to everyday affairs. But this woman came to the well at noon, so she did not want to meet anyone and be alone. Most likely, she was a fallen woman and was afraid of condemnation.

Jesus politely asks for water from her: "Give Me a drink" .

The Samaritan woman rudely answers: "How do You, being a Jew, ask drink from me, being a Samaritan woman?" . And then their conversation follows about the spiritual.

Do as the Gods do, 1899, oil on canvas

This is one of the most sensual paintings of Henryk Siemiradzki. Young lovers descended from the boat to the shore. By their actions, the couple repeats the history of the sculpture that stands behind them. This is "Cupid and Psyche," the myth of love which was widespread in ancient Rome. Psyche was so beautiful that the goddess of love Venus envied her. She sent her son Cupid to Psyche, in order to make Psyche fall in love with the ugliest and most unworthy man, so that the rest of Psyche's life would be unhappy. However, Cupid fell in love with a beautiful girl. He settled her in a golden palace. Cupid flew to her only at night, taking from her a promise that she would not see him in the light. However, the girl was curious and looked at him in the light of the lamp. The lovers were forced to part. But the story ended well. Psyche was able to find a lover, perform tasks from Venus and eventually gave birth to Cupid's son, who was called Delight.

The painting depicts a real sculpture "Cupid and Psyche", located in The Capitoline Museums (Rome). This is a copy made in marble, II c. AD.
To the right, at some distance, the sculpture of Venus stands. Sacrificial fire burns around it.

At the source, 1898, oil on canvas

And the last picture for today, in which light and shadow are also interesting - "At the source". The plot of the picture is simple - it depicts the daily life of the ancient Romans. Warm day, the noise of the Mediterranean Sea, women took water in jars and sweetly rest before going home. This calmness is transmitted to the audience. Perhaps Siemiradzki portrayed life in a world of eternal bliss.

Although, I'm afraid, lying on the stone is not very comfortable).

Henryk Siemiradzki, in general, painted on biblical themes. Especially often he returned to the image of Christ. Unfortunately, after Siemiradzki was admired and wrote praises to him, the artist was forgotten. A new wave of interest in him broke out only in our time.