Artwork

Pilate Washing His Hands

Pilate Washing His Hands, by German 15th Century, 1484
Pilate Washing His Hands, by German 15th Century, 1484

Pilate Washing His Hands is a print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1484 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Pilate Washing His Hands is a print on laid paper, created using the paste print technique. The work depicts a figure washing his hands in a bowl.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a man, likely Pontius Pilate, washing his hands in a bowl of water, conveying a sense of solemnity and ritual. The subject is drawn from biblical narrative, referencing Pilate's symbolic act of washing his hands before condemning Jesus.

Technique & Style

The print features detailed rendering of the figure's robes and the bowl, while the surrounding area is less defined, suggesting wear or degradation over time. The use of paste print on laid paper is characteristic of a particular artistic technique.

Context

The work is associated with the Renaissance period, a time of significant cultural and artistic development in Europe.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.