Focus on this artwork and discuss the Interpretation.
American art historian John Spike notes that the angel at the center of Caravaggio's altarpiece transmits the grace that inspires humanity to be merciful.
Spike also notes that the choice of Samson as an emblem of Giving Drink to the Thirsty is so peculiar as to demand some explanation.  The fearsome scourge of the Philistines was a deeply flawed man who accomplished his heroic tasks through the grace of God.  When Samson was in danger of dying of thirst, God gave him water to drink from the jawbone of an ass.  It is difficult to square this miracle with an allegory of the Seven Acts of Mercy since it was not in fact the work of human charity.
Regarding the sharp contrasts of the painting's chiaroscuro, the German art historian Ralf van Bühren explains the bright light as a metaphor for mercy, which "helps the audience to explore mercy in their own lives". Current scholarship has also established the connection between the iconography of "The Seven Works of Mercy" and the cultural, scientific and philosophical circles of the painting's commissioners.
John Spike Mercy grace Caravaggio mercy commissioners chiaroscuro Ralf van Bühren Samson altarpiece