Basin decorated with the Washing of the Feet, Fontainebleau or Paris school

Oval basin or deep dish from the Fontainebleau or Paris workshop, follower of Palissy, with polychrome relief decoration depicting the scene of Christ washing Saint Peter’s feet, shown in full. The rim has a brown enamel ground, highlighted with gadroons and chased foliage forming fleurons along the edge; the reverse is marbled in blue, ochre, and manganese.

The event of Christ washing the feet of the apostles is recounted only in the Gospel of John (13:1–20). Christ kneels before Saint Peter and washes his feet; Peter protests. Through this gesture, Jesus assumes the condition of a servant before dying on the cross to redeem mankind, thus giving an example of the humility and self-abasement he had previously taught his disciples.

17th century.

(Restorations)