The Washing of the Feet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Washing of the Feet |
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| Artist | Tintoretto |
| Year | 1548-1549 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 210 cm × 533 cm (83 in × 210 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The Washing of the Feet (also known as El Lavatorio) is a famous painting by the Italian artist Tintoretto. He painted it between 1548 and 1549. Many people think it is one of his best works. Today, you can see this painting at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
History of the Painting
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Tintoretto was asked to create this painting in 1547. It was for a special group called the Scuola del Santísimo Sacramento. This group was in the church of San Marcuola in Venice, Italy. He also painted a "Last Supper" for the same church. That painting is still there today. Tintoretto finished both paintings between 1548 and 1549.
The painting stayed in the church for about 70 years. Then, in the early 1600s, a duke named Ferdinando Gonzaga bought it. He was the Duke of Mantua. The painting was placed in a special hallway in the Ducal Palace of Mantua.
In 1627, Charles I of England bought the painting. He was a king who loved collecting art. Later, there was a big event called the English Revolution. After the king's death, the government sold his art collection. They used the money to pay off the king's debts. Many of the best artworks, including "The Washing of the Feet," were bought by the Spanish ambassador, Don Alonso de Cardenas. He then gave them to the Prime Minister, Don Luis Méndez de Haro. Finally, the Prime Minister gave the painting to King Philip IV of Spain. This is how the painting ended up in Spain.
What the Painting Shows
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This painting shows a scene from the Gospel of John in the Bible. It tells the story of the Last Supper. During this meal, Jesus stood up. He took off his outer clothes and wrapped a towel around himself. Then, he began to wash the feet of his followers, who were called disciples.
Tintoretto shows the moment when Simon Peter, one of the disciples, tries to say no. He doesn't want Jesus to wash his feet. But Jesus convinces him. Simon Peter then agrees to have his feet washed. He even asks Jesus to wash his head and hands too.
In one part of the painting, Tintoretto also shows a miracle. This miracle is about Saint Mark. The story comes from a book called Golden Legend. It was written by Jacopo da Varazze.
Most of the painting focuses on the scene of Jesus and his disciples. You might notice a dog lying down in the middle. Some people think it's there to fill the space. Others believe it represents how loyal Jesus's followers were.
Tintoretto planned this painting very carefully. He knew exactly where it would hang in the church of San Marcuola. If you look at the painting straight on, the people might seem a bit spread out. But if you stand to the right side, the picture looks perfect. All the parts fit together, and the empty spaces disappear.
See also
In Spanish: El Lavatorio (Tintoretto) para niños
