Frantisek Janousek (1890 - 1943) Merciful samaritan oil on canvas, 1933, 89 x 116 cm, sign. RD, frame. One of the best of authors´ works very vividly demonstrates Janousek painting mastery, closing his best period. The canvas is one of the key examples of Czech surrealism, in which the author was able to skillfully deal with the famous biblical theme in its typical modern sovereign position. The painting comes directly from the painter´s estate and has been repeatedly exposed in Manes in 1933 under No. 33. In 1947 it was on Janousek posthumous exhibition under no. 53, also in the Central Bohemian Gallery in 1965 (Nelahozeves castle, catalogue no. 53), in Schwarz Gallery in Milan in 1969 under no. 2, where was reproduced, and in Brno House of Art in 1985 under no. 32. Attached professional expertise of Mgr. K. Srp (“Drawing Samaritan comes from the author´s considerable surrealist period representing the most important section of his work. …It belongs to Janousek very successful works from the first half of thirties. It may be an important cornerstone in any collection, devoted to Czech modern painting of the last century.”) and prof. J. Zemina (“I have no doubt that the author of this painting is Frantisek Janousek.”), Consulted and assessed by prof. T. Vlcek, CSc.