Voetenwassing van Christus door Maria Magdalena 1676 - 1703

This is a print of the Washing of Christ's Feet by Mary Magdalene, made by Nicolas Bazin, a French artist who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. The print illustrates a scene from the New Testament, but it also reflects the social norms of Bazin's time. The elaborate setting and the refined gestures of the figures suggest a world of wealth and privilege. The act of washing feet, usually a task for servants, becomes a symbolic gesture of humility and devotion. This image invites us to consider the complex relationship between religion, art, and society in early modern France. To understand it fully, we might turn to historical sources, such as religious texts, social histories, and studies of artistic patronage. These resources help us understand how art both reflects and shapes the values of its time.