Together with the engraving this painting represents the only record of what is said to have been Poussin's last figural composition. Painted in 1662, Poussin's Christ and the Woman of Samaria was commissioned by M. de Chantelou and, according to Félibien, was the last of the artist's historical productions. Christopher Wright calls the original 'one of Poussin's most influential compositions' and notes that 'Poussin achieved a perfect integration of figures and landscape in the work.' (cf. C. Wright, loc. cit)