“Doubting Thomas,” rendered by Carl Bloch, is an artwork created using oil on canvas. This painting falls within the Academicism art movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting. The subject matter is drawn from a biblical narrative, showcasing a pivotal moment of religious significance.
In this artwork, a pivotal exchange between Jesus and Thomas is depicted, encapsulating the moment Thomas verifies Jesus’ resurrection by touching His wounds. Jesus is portrayed in the center, clothed in a white robe, exuding a serene and compassionate demeanor. His right hand is gently extended, inviting Thomas to feel the wound on His side. Thomas, garbed in red, is positioned in a humble gesture of reverence and doubt, his face upturned as he reaches towards Jesus. The scene is dramatically lit, with the surrounding figures cast in shadow, enhancing the central action and the profound emotional and spiritual resonance of the encounter. The detailed rendering of the characters’ expressions and the use of light and shadow contribute to the artwork’s dramatic and contemplative atmosphere.