John Luke
, Irish, 1906-1975
Title
The Good SamaritanDatec.1928-30
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions
46 x 61 cm
Signedlower right: J. LUKE
Credit LinePurchased, 2002
Object numberNGI.4710
ProvenancePurchased, Sotheby's, London, 16 May 2002, Irish Sale, lot 170Label TextIn the well-known New Testament parable, a traveller is attacked and left for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. A priest and a Levite pass him by, but a Samaritan, a traditional foe, comes to the man’s assistance, binding his wounds and transporting him to shelter. Drawing on early Renaissance models, the artist allows the story’s actions to take place simultaneously. Luke's predisposition towards neatness and order was expressed both in his art and his appearance. He adopted a very controlled approach to painting and inscribed detailed notes on the reverse of many later pictures.