Religion in Art

Milan, Lombardy, Italy, September 29, 1571 -

Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy, July 18, 1610

Master Realist Baroque Painter

"The Incredulity of Saint Thomas"

Oil on canvas

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas is an oil painting on canvas of the subject of the same name by the Italian Baroque Master Painter, Caravaggio, 1601 - 1602.  It is housed in the Sanssouci of Potsdame, Germany.

According to St. John's Gospel, Thomas the Apostle missed one of Jesus' 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."  A week later Jesus appeared and told Thomas to touch Him and stop doubting.  then Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believe; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

In the painting, Thomas' face shows surprise as Jesus holds his hand and guides it into the wound.  The absence of a halo emphasizes the corporeality of the risen Christ.  The work is in chiaroscuro, a magnificent theatrical lighting effect!

John 20:21 and 20:25 NIV