GIOTTO di Bondone
(b. 1267, Vespignano, d. 1337, Firenze)

No. 30 Scenes from the Life of Christ: 14. Washing of Feet

1304-06
Fresco, 200 x 185 cm
Cappella Scrovegni (Arena Chapel), Padua

The washing of the feet takes place in an open room. This event is portrayed in a most lifelike manner: one disciple is busy putting his sandals back on, another is scratching his foot, and Peter is gathering up his robe to prevent it getting wet. In spite of the many narrative touches, Giotto still concentrates his depiction on the exchange between Christ and Peter. The latter puts his hand to his head, obviously unable to believe what his Lord is telling him.

This scene is in the same setting as the Last Supper.