Washing of feet (Fragment) 1311

Duccio painted this panel of 'The Washing of Feet' in Siena, Italy, sometime in the early 14th century. It’s a moment taken from the Bible, when Jesus washes the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. The image is about contrasting social roles. Jesus, the most important figure, is kneeling in the position of a servant before Saint Peter. Peter is shown recoiling, shocked that Jesus would perform such a humble act. This reflects the social codes of the time, where the washing of feet was a task reserved for the lowest members of society. Duccio was commissioned to create this panel for the high altar of Siena Cathedral. The Cathedral was a powerful institution in Siena and controlled much of the city’s wealth and power, which is something to bear in mind when thinking about the painting’s cultural context. To understand Duccio's artistic choices, we can look at how other artists have depicted the same scene, and how the meaning of foot-washing has changed over time, drawing on theological texts and historical accounts. This helps us better understand the power of art to challenge social norms.