Voetwassing van Petrus 1630 - 1677

Editor: Here we have Adriaen Lommelin's engraving, "The Washing of Peter's Feet," likely made sometime between 1630 and 1677. The figures are compelling, but what strikes me most is how Peter seems to shrink away, almost recoiling. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Indeed. It’s potent imagery, isn’t it? The act of foot washing in itself is a powerful symbol: humility, service, purification. Notice how Lommelin has chosen to depict Peter's resistance. He's pushing back from Christ, questioning the established order, the natural hierarchy. Editor: So Peter's reluctance is significant? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the symbolism of feet. In many cultures, they are seen as the lowest, most base part of the body. By washing them, Christ is challenging social norms, reversing the expected dynamic of master and servant. Consider the original audience: What meaning might they have derived from this inversion? What aspects of their culture would it challenge or confirm? Editor: That makes me consider it differently, as a kind of cultural critique embedded in a religious scene. The engraving medium itself contributes something to the symbolic nature of the scene. Curator: Exactly. The stark lines and contrasting shades emphasize the emotional tension and underscore the ritual's gravity. Perhaps Lommelin is also commenting on religious rigidity, subtly suggesting the need for spiritual flexibility. It’s interesting how visual cues and historical context intersect here to communicate the symbolic richness embedded within the artwork. Editor: I see, thank you. It’s fascinating how much is communicated through these choices, giving new weight to a familiar scene.