Voetwassing door de paus op Witte Donderdag 1838 - 1839

Franciscus Bernardus Waanders created this print of the Foot Washing by the Pope on Maundy Thursday. The work is defined by a strict architectural perspective which creates a deep, receding space, pulling the viewer's eye far into the Basilica. Observe how the artist uses the repetition of vertical lines in the columns to emphasize the grandeur and height of the space, and to convey the power of the church. The controlled lines and structured composition evoke a sense of order, typical of academic art. Waanders frames the scene with an ornate border, contrasting the linear precision within the image. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, questioning the relationship between the central event and its representation. What does it mean to frame a ritual of humility within such elaborate ornamentation? The combination of detailed interior and decorative frame serves not only to depict but also to interpret the cultural and spatial dynamics of religious authority.