Christ and the Samaritan Woman

Christ and the Samaritan Woman is a bronze sculpture with marble elements located in front of O'Shaughnessy Hall on the campus. The installation shows two human figures meeting at a central marble well, accompanied by additional bronze figures that frame the composition.

Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović created this work in 1957 while teaching at the university, bringing religious subjects into his sculptural practice. The memorial complex was later expanded and completed over time, growing into a larger installation that developed across several decades.

The sculpture depicts two figures meeting at a well, telling a biblical story about connection across differences that anyone can recognize in this everyday moment. Visitors can see how the artist chose to show two people in a personal exchange rather than as distant religious symbols.

The sculpture sits on campus grounds and is freely accessible from outside, where visitors can view it at any time of day. The location functions as an open outdoor space, making it ideal for a quick visit while exploring other areas of the campus.

The composition includes two additional bronze figures of evangelists Luke and John flanking the main scene, supporting a larger religious statement. These accompanying figures connect the biblical scene to the testimonies of those who recorded the story.