Voetwassing 1712

Jacob Herreyns created this etching, titled "Voetwassing," sometime around 1712. The image depicts a Biblical scene of Christ washing the feet of his disciples, a powerful symbol of humility and service, but the scene takes place in what seems like a theatre. Here, the theatrical setting invites us to consider the performance of piety and power within the social structures of the time. Created in the Southern Netherlands, now Belgium, the work reflects the region’s complex relationship with religious institutions. The opulent details contrast with the intended message of humility. It makes one wonder if this is a critique of the Church’s own excesses? Perhaps this artwork is a commentary on the performative nature of religious devotion. By examining period documents, theological texts, and the history of religious art in the Netherlands, we can uncover the fascinating interplay between religious belief, social expectation, and artistic expression in Herreyns’ time. The meaning of art is always shaped by its historical context.