Collections: European Art: The Washing of the Feet (Le lavement des pieds)

• Download
• Add to set
• Favorite
• Posse icon
• Share
• Print

The Washing of the Feet (Le lavement des pieds)

• Portfolio/Series: The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ (La Vie de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ)

After the disciples dine together, the company passes into another chamber, the artist notes, where Jesus washes the feet of his followers, an act of selflessness and humility that presages his later sacrifice for the sins of mankind.

Although Peter, sitting at center with his hands at his head, protests his unworthiness, Jesus insists on the physical and spiritual necessity of the cleansing act. Hinting at his knowledge of his future betrayal by Judas, by saying that not all of his apostles are “clean,” Jesus nevertheless includes Judas in this rite. In Tissot’s image, Judas sits at the extreme left, his body uncomfortably twisted as he awaits his turn.


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 9 3/4 x 16 11/16 in. (24.8 x 42.4 cm) Sheet: 9 3/4 x 16 11/16 in. (24.8 x 42.4 cm)
• Signature: Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.222
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.222_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Washing of the Feet (Le lavement des pieds), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 9 3/4 x 16 11/16 in. (24.8 x 42.4 cm) Sheet: 9 3/4 x 16 11/16 in. (24.8 x 42.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.222 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.222_PS2.jpg)