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Jesus and the Woman of Samaria

After Gustave Doré

SERIES

The New Testament Series

YEAR

2022–2025

MEDIUM

Carved wood, selectively coated with 24 karat gold, and with gold, silver and copper metallic leaves

DIMENSIONS

200 × 250 cm (79 × 98 in)

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

John 4:14

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Jesus and the Woman of Samaria by Amnon Moalem, Carved wood

About

This Work

The conversation at the well is the longest exchange the Gospels record between Jesus and any single person, and it crosses every boundary its period recognised — of nation, of gender, of religious dispute. Gustave Doré’s engraving holds the two figures in the quiet of the exchange rather than in any dramatic gesture, and Amnon’s carved wood version keeps that stillness at two and a half meters wide. Gold, silver and copper metallic leaves, with 24 karat gold applied selectively, move the eye between the two figures and the water standing between them.

The Craft Behind the Work

Wood Carving

In the carved wooden works, the initial preparation may involve CNC technology to establish the primary structure and composition. Amnon then continues through extensive manual carving, refinement, and surface work. The balance between technological preparation and handwork varies according to the scale, subject, and requirements of each piece.

Cast-Epoxy

Epoxy resin is used in selected works as an independent material or in combination with carved wood. Its role differs from one piece to another and may include structural, visual, translucent, or surface-related functions.

Gold, Silver & Copper Leaves

The gilding stage is the final and most demanding phase. Metallic leaves, 24 Karat gold, silver, and copper, are applied by hand, sheet by sheet, to the finished surface. The technique is ancient, used for centuries to adorn relics, altarpieces, and sacred objects. In Amnon's work it serves the same purpose: to signal that what you are looking at is not ordinary.

How a Monumental

Work Is Made

Source, Research & Interpretation

Most works begin with a close study of a well-known artwork or engraving. Amnon develops a personal interpretation through material, technique, scale, composition, and surface treatment.

Planning & Digital Preparation

The composition, scale, and proportions are prepared for production. In carved wooden works, this stage may include CNC-assisted preparation before the manual carving process begins.

Manual Carving & Refinement

Following the initial preparation, Amnon performs extensive manual carving and refinement, developing the surfaces, forms, and details of the work.

Casting & Integration

In works that include cast-epoxy, the cast elements are produced and integrated according to the specific material and compositional requirements of the piece.

Surface Preparation

The combined structure is prepared for gilding: smoothed, sealed, and given a base that will hold the metallic leaves.

Gilding

Gold, silver, and copper leaves are applied by hand, one sheet at a time. A large-scale work can require weeks of gilding alone.

Documentation

Each completed work is photographed professionally, measured precisely, and documented for the collector’s record.

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