The Priest Passing the Man - Simon Frisius

A detailed 17th-century etching by Simon Frisius depicting a scene from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, showcasing precise line work and narrative depth.

This etching by Simon Frisius depicts a scene from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, specifically referencing Luke 10:31-32. The composition focuses on the indifference of the priest and the Levite, who walk past the wounded man lying on the path. Frisius employs a distinct etching technique, using varied line weights to define the dense, leafy foliage of the trees and the reflective surface of the water. The figures are small in scale, placed within a wider, naturalistic setting that emphasises the isolation of the victim.

Frisius was a significant figure in the development of Dutch printmaking. His work often demonstrates a mastery of tonal variation through hatching and cross-hatching. In this piece, the artist balances the narrative elements with a detailed rendering of the environment. The trees, rendered with heavy, rhythmic lines, create a sense of enclosure around the figures. The water in the foreground, complete with lily pads, adds a quiet, observational quality to the scene. The Latin inscription at the bottom, 'Negligunt vulneratum, Sacerdos et Levita', provides the moral context for the viewer, identifying the figures as the priest and the Levite who ignore the injured man.

The print reflects the technical precision common in early 17th-century Dutch graphic arts. Frisius often collaborated with other artists, and the 'H. Invent' notation suggests this print was based on a design by Hendrick Goltzius. The work is a fine example of how biblical narratives were integrated into the broader tradition of Dutch print culture, where the setting often carries as much visual weight as the human subjects. The print is characterised by its clear, structured approach to space and its disciplined application of line, which remains a hallmark of Frisius's output during this period.