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Il Tintoretto: The Washing of the Feet

Il Tintoretto 1518 – 1594

The Washing of the Feet

oil on canvas (210 × 533 cm) — 1548-1549 Museum Museo del Prado, Madrid Twitter Share on Twitter

Il Tintoretto biography

This work is linked to John 13:5

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Il Tintoretto turns the episode into an impressive scene set in a vast, well-lit environment. Later in his career he would start to use darker colors.

By washing Peter's feet, Jesus wants to set an example of humility and service towards others.

Tintoretto made a remarkable composition by putting the main action at the extreme right. He did so to accomodate to the original location of the work. Seen from the right things are literally put into perspective as the Venetian arch becomes the true vanishing point.

Also on the right another room is shown, where the celebration of the Last Supper is taking place.

Related art

  • Paolo Veronese: Feast in the House of Levi
  • Peter Paul Rubens: The Last Supper
  • Leonardo da Vinci: The Last Supper (1)
  • Duccio di Buoninsegna: The Last Supper
  • Hans Holbein the Younger: The Last Supper
  • Juan de Juanes: The Last Supper
  • Domenico Ghirlandaio: The Last Supper
  • Duccio di Buoninsegna: The Washing of the Feet
  • Il Tintoretto: The Last Supper
  • Leonardo da Vinci: The Last Supper (2)
  • Willem Andriesz. de Raet: The last supper
  • Cosimo Rosselli: The last supper