Ford Madox Brown

Jesus Washing Peter’s Feet

1852–6

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In Tate Britain

Historic and Modern British Art: Beauty as Protest: 1845–1905

Artist: Ford Madox Brown 1821–1893
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 1168 × 1333 mm
frame: 1475 × 1640 × 98 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by subscribers 1893
Reference: N01394

Display caption

This picture illustrates the biblical story of Christ washing his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. It has an unusually low viewpoint and compressed space. Critics objected to the picture’s coarseness – it originally depicted Jesus only semi-clad. This caused an outcry when it was first exhibited and it remained unsold for several years until Ford Madox Brown reworked the figure in robes. Brown was never invited to join the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood but he was a close associate of the group. Several members modelled for the disciples in this picture and the critic FG Stephens sat for Christ.

Gallery label, November 2016

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