De voetwassing 1935 - 1943

'De Voetwassing,' or 'The Washing of the Feet,' was painted by Han van Meegeren using oil on canvas, a traditional medium harking back to the Old Masters. Van Meegeren chose to employ the style and techniques of the Dutch Golden Age, specifically emulating Johannes Vermeer. He meticulously prepared his paints and canvas to mimic the materials available in the 17th century. This involved grinding his own pigments and using a specific type of canvas to achieve the desired texture and appearance of age. But, this wasn't an act of homage. It was a deliberate act of deception. Van Meegeren used his deep understanding of materials and processes to create forgeries. His skilled labor was used to mimic and manipulate the art market, rather than innovate. It raises questions about the value we place on originality versus technical skill, and how the art world can be manipulated for personal gain. Ultimately, this painting reminds us that the meaning of art extends beyond the surface, encompassing the artist's intentions, the materials employed, and the social context in which it was created.