De voetwassing van Petrus 1534 - 1570

Frans Floris I made this print, "The Foot Washing of Peter," during the 16th century, a period defined by religious reform and artistic innovation in Northern Europe. The work illustrates a story from the Gospel of John where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples as an act of humility. The artist's choice to depict this scene speaks to the period's broader concern with the nature of religious authority. This was a time when traditional hierarchies were being questioned. Floris was part of the generation that brought Italian Renaissance art ideas north. "The Foot Washing" invokes classical art, yet complicates it, using the print medium to allow for wider distribution. The scene’s emotional core lies in the tension between Jesus’s humble service and Peter's initial reluctance. This image prompts us to consider how gestures of service and humility can challenge established social orders. In its time, it invited viewers to reflect on how the actions of individuals could embody profound spiritual and ethical significance.