Spanish or Italian school, XVII - XVIII century.

Spanish or Italian school, XVII - XVIII century.
"Lavatory of feet".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Illegible signature.
Measurements: 72 x 104 cm, 78 x 112 cm (frame).
It is represented here a scene narrated by the Gospel of John, widely treated in the baroque painting. Christ kneeling before Peter, prepares to wash his feet. The rest of the apostles surround the two figures and exchange impressions, showing themselves stunned by the idea of being washed by their Lord. The figure of Jesus, differentiated from the others by the attitude and the light that seems to emerge from within him, determines the disposition of the rest. The architectural space, with bare walls, opens to the outside with a large window. The interior is spartan and dark, so that the figures are constructed by the chiseled light. Stylistically, the work is part of the Flemish baroque, showing an expressive work of chiaroscuro. The Gospel of John tells us that during the Last Supper, Jesus got up from the table, took off his cloak and tied a towel around his waist. After pouring water into a basin, he began to wash his disciples' feet. Simon Peter pretended to refuse, but when Jesus insisted that otherwise he could have no part with him, he agreed to have his feet washed.