The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (Caravaggio)
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| Artist | Caravaggio |
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| Year | 1601-1602 |
| Type | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 107 cm × 146 cm (42 in × 57 in) |
| Location | Sanssouci, Potsdam |
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas is a painting of the subject of the same name by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, c. 1601-1602. It is housed in the Sanssouci of Potsdam, Germany.
This picture is probably related to Saint Matthew and the Angel and the The Sacrifice of Isaac, all having a model in common. The Incredulity of Saint Thomas belonged to Vincenzo Giustiniani before entering the Prussian royal collection, surviving the Second World War intact. This is the most copied painting of Caravaggio, with 22 copies from the 17th century known.
According to St John's Gospel, Thomas missed one of Jesus's appearances to the Apostles after His resurrection, and said "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."[1] A week later Jesus appeared and told Thomas to touch Him and stop doubting. Then Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."[2]
The absence of a halo emphasizes the corporeality of the risen Christ.[3] Thomas's face shows surprise as Jesus holds his hand and guides it into the wound.[4][5]
[edit] Sources
- ^ John 20:25, NIV
- ^ John 20:21, NIV
- ^ http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=54170
- ^ http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/imagingthebody/Fall%20Quarter/Handouts/WestArtHistP1.pdf
- ^ A wounded innocence: sketches for a theology of art. García-Rivera, Alex. page 120-123
