The Washing

The painting shows the feet of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion. Beneath the feet, in the earth, we see a skull. It is the skull of the first man in the world, Adam — for it is known that Christ was crucified in the place where Adam was buried. This is a symbol of washing and of the forgiveness of human sin. It is a symbol of a new beginning. That is why, in depictions of Christ on the cross, we often see human bones beneath his feet.

In the background we see light — the light of the torches of the people who were there. We see the light of the torches, but we do not see the people themselves.