Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples

Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples, created by Albrecht Dürer, is a powerful example of German printmaking from the critical transition period of 1401 to 1500. This woodcut, executed on laid paper, showcases the sophisticated draftsmanship Dürer brought to the graphic arts. Unlike earlier, cruder woodcuts, this technique demands precise carving to achieve the fine, expressive lines used to define the figures and architecture.

The work illustrates the moment recorded in the Gospel of John (13:1-17), where Christ demonstrates ultimate humility by washing the feet of his twelve apostles before the Last Supper. Dürer successfully captures the crowded intensity of the scene, focusing specifically on the contrasting reactions of the disciples. The artist highlights the exchange between Christ and Peter, who, kneeling in the foreground, attempts to refuse the act before accepting his master's lesson. The composition emphasizes emotional engagement and narrative clarity, reflecting the heightened interest in personal piety characteristic of Northern Renaissance spirituality.

Produced during a highly fertile period of early German artistic production, this piece exemplifies how Dürer elevated the standing of prints from simple reproductions to independent works of art. The creation and widespread distribution of devotional prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating biblical imagery and narrative accessible to a broad public. This specific impression is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the historical age and public importance of this work, high-resolution images of this masterwork of prints are frequently available through public domain archives, ensuring continued study of Dürer’s enduring influence.