The parable of the Good Samaritan tells how a robbed and wounded man was left to suffer by the wayside until a Samaritan took pity on his plight and brought him to the safety of an inn (Luke X, 30–35). The present picture is a disputed work of Rembrandt’s early career. The colours used to model the well and weaknesses in the forms in the poorly-lit areas have led some commentators to assign the work to Rembrandt’s studio. The date of 1630, however, accords well with the style of the picture which displays the bright palette and smooth manner of Rembrandt’s Leiden period. The draughtsmanship of the horse and the fluid handling of the paint on the figure of the groom are particularly confident. For these reasons the picture is currently attributed to Rembrandt himself.