FOOT WASHING

The work offers an exceptionally powerful interpretation of the biblical theme of Christ washing the feet of the disciples during the Last Supper. Jesus in Gottlieb’s picture is on his knees, leaning over a basin to wash Simon Peter's foot. The latter makes a gesture that can be read in two ways: as a sign of humility or recoiling. The strong dark outlines applied by the artist allow contrasting colours to leak out. Tones of green, blue and yellow are combined with spots of red to give shape to individual figures, the table, bowl and amphora.

Researchers point out connections between Gottlieb's paintings and the work of Georges Rouault, two artists who were both partial to colour and shared a common interest in religious themes. Gottlieb’s works, however, are much calmer, more harmonious and lyrical. Also, Foot Washing has a universal resonance, evoking associations with depictions of people at work, rest or dinner, created at the same time or later. The work can be compared with Gottlieb's oils from the early 1920s: Christ in the Boat, At the Table and The Fishermen's Supper – all testifying to a masterful use of colour and skilful compositional solutions.