Pilate Washing his Hands 1530 - 1535

Bernard van Orley's drawing "Pilate Washing his Hands," now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures a pivotal moment loaded with cultural and religious significance. Van Orley, living in a society deeply influenced by religious doctrine, engages with the biblical narrative in ways that reflect the social fabric of his time. The act of Pilate washing his hands is more than a personal choice; it's a public performance, laden with political implications. In doing so, Pilate attempts to distance himself from the tumult that is the sentencing of Jesus. Who gets to absolve themselves of responsibility, and what are the consequences for those who bear the weight of such decisions? The expressions and gestures of the figures surrounding Pilate tell their own stories of power, complicity, and helplessness. Van Orley invites us to reflect on how we, as individuals and as a society, grapple with uncomfortable truths. The drawing serves not just as a historical depiction, but also as an enduring mirror reflecting our own moral landscapes.