Home > Authors Index > John Ruskin > Giotto and his works in Padua > This page
Giotto and his works in Padua, a non-fiction book by John Ruskin |
||
29. The Washing Of The Feet |
||
| < Previous |
Table of content |
Next > |
|
________________________________________________
_ XXIX. THE WASHING OF THE FEET In this design, it will be observed, there are still the twelve disciples, and the nimbus is yet given to Judas (though, as it were, setting, his face not being seen). Considering the deep interest and importance of every circumstance of the Last Supper, I cannot understand how preachers and commentators pass by the difficulty of clearly understanding the periods indicated in St. John's account of it. It seems that Christ must have risen while they were still eating, must have washed their feet as they sate or reclined at the table, just as the Magdalen had washed His own feet in the Pharisee's house; that, this done, He returned to the table, and the disciples continuing to eat, presently gave the sop to Judas. For St. John says, that he having received the sop, went _immediately_ out; yet that Christ had washed his feet is certain, from the words, "Ye are clean, but not all." Whatever view the reader may, on deliberation, choose to accept, Giotto's is clear, namely, that though not cleansed by the baptism, Judas was yet capable of being cleansed. The devil had not entered into him at the time of the washing of the feet, and he retains the sign of an Apostle. The composition is one of the most beautiful of the series, especially owing to the submissive grace of the two standing figures. _ |
||