Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples

Christ Washing the Feet of the Disciples by Albrecht Dürer, created between 1509 and 1510, stands as a powerful example of Northern Renaissance graphic artistry. Executed as a woodcut on laid paper, this work demonstrates Dürer’s unparalleled ability to manipulate the demanding medium of printmaking. The deep contrasts and meticulous cross-hatching typical of Dürer's style allow him to create rich textures and volume, transforming simple lines into dynamic dramatic forms.

The subject illustrates the humility of Christ, who kneels before his apostle Peter to perform this act of service on Maundy Thursday, setting an example for his followers. This era, falling within the first half of the sixteenth century (1501 to 1550), marked the apex of the German Renaissance, an intensely productive time for graphic arts, particularly for prints designed for wide distribution. Dürer focuses the viewer’s attention on the intense interaction between Christ and Peter, while the surrounding disciples look on, expressing confusion, reverence, or deep contemplation. The figures are rendered with a powerful sense of form and muscular realism, demonstrating Dürer’s successful synthesis of Italian Renaissance influences with the detailed intensity characteristic of the German school.

As a pivotal figure in the history of German art, Dürer ensured that his printed works, such as this piece, served both religious instruction and artistic mastery. The ability of woodcuts to be reproduced meant these powerful theological narratives could reach broader audiences than singular paintings. This particular impression of the work resides in the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the age and historical significance of the image, high-quality reproductions and prints often enter the public domain, allowing global accessibility to Dürer’s monumental graphic achievements.