The Good Samaritan

This parable from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:25-37) tells the story of a despised Samaritan who took pity on an injured traveller left half-dead by robbers on the way from Jerusalem to Jericho. The Samaritan took care of the traveller's wounds and took him to an inn, whilst the traveller's own kinsmen, a priest and a Levite, refused to stop and help. Jesus told the story to encourage compassion.

Watts painted three versions of the Good Samaritan, to pay homage to the philanthropist Thomas Wright, of Manchester. Wright devoted his life to helping ex-convicts re-establish themselves in society. In this version, Watts even lent Wright's features to the Samaritan, offering a striking image of physical and moral brotherly support.