Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples, from "The Small Passion"
Original title: Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples, from "The Small Passion"
kurzbeschreibung
Around 1508, Albrecht Dürer made the woodcut 'Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet' as part of the 'Little Passion'. The print presents the biblical foot-washing: in the foreground Christ kneels to clean the feet of a seated disciple, while other disciples behind react. The woodcut measures 12.5 x 9.8 cm.
Description
A room with brick walls and a ceiling lamp sets the stage. In front, Christ kneels with a basin, washing the feet of a disciple who sits on a chair and looks at him. Behind them stand several disciples in various poses: some touch their throats, others appear thoughtful or surprised. Renaissance-era garments mark the figures. The layout is symmetrical, with Christ at the center and the disciples around him.
Context
The 'Little Passion' comprises 37 woodcuts that Dürer issued between 1508 and 1511. Intended as a devotional cycle for a broad audience, it first appeared in 1511 with Latin texts. Dürer worked in Nuremberg, where he ran his own workshop. The series depicts scenes from the life and suffering of Christ and was a commercial success.
Impact
Clear lines and precise details define the calm, collected mood of the print. The varied reactions of the disciples create lively tension and draw the viewer into the event. The symmetrical arrangement emphasizes Christ's central role.
Technique
Dürer achieves modelling and depth entirely through the varying thickness and direction of carved lines, with dense parallel hatching building shadow and sparser strokes opening into light. This linear vocabulary defines the fall of illumination across the room, from the hanging lamp to the gathered figures, while leaving the monochrome sheet without any tonal wash. Sharp contours and cross-hatched passages together give the scene its sculptural clarity.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)