Mary Magdalene Washing the Feet of Christ - Urs Graf

A sixteenth-century woodcut by Swiss artist Urs Graf, depicting the biblical scene of Mary Magdalene washing the feet of Christ with hand-applied colour.

This woodcut by the Swiss artist Urs Graf depicts the biblical scene of Mary Magdalene washing the feet of Christ. Graf, a goldsmith and printmaker active in Basel, is known for his expressive and often raw graphic style. The composition is compact, focusing on the central interaction between the kneeling figure of the Magdalene and the seated Christ. The surrounding figures, likely the disciples, are rendered with the direct, unrefined line work characteristic of early sixteenth-century woodblock printing. The print features the artist's monogram, a clear indicator of his authorship, positioned in the upper left corner. The application of hand-colouring adds a layer of visual interest to the stark black lines of the woodcut, with muted tones of pink, green, and ochre defining the garments and the interior space. The perspective is flattened, typical of the period's approach to narrative illustration, where the focus remains on the symbolic action rather than spatial realism. Graf's work often reflects the social and religious climate of the Swiss Reformation era. His figures possess a distinct, slightly rugged quality that departs from the more polished aesthetics found in contemporary Italian works. The scene captures a moment of humility and devotion, presented with the characteristic vigour of the Northern Renaissance tradition. This print serves as an example of the small-scale devotional imagery that circulated widely during the early modern period, providing a glimpse into the visual culture of the time. The lines are bold and functional, prioritising clarity of narrative over decorative refinement, which aligns with the practical nature of woodcut production for book illustration or broadside distribution.