Albrecht Durer’s “The Incredulity of St Thomas” is a woodcut created in 1511 as part of his “The Small Passion” series, and it is an artwork that embodies the religious themes typical of the Northern Renaissance. The original piece is housed in the British Museum in London, UK, and is a prime example of Durer’s prowess in religious painting.
The woodcut depicts the biblical scene where the apostle Thomas, known for his doubt about Jesus’ resurrection, is touching the wounds of the risen Christ to believe that he truly has come back from the dead. Jesus is standing in the center, his wounds prominently displayed and rays of light emanating from his head, underscoring his holy nature. Thomas, on the left, is shown leaning forward, his hand reaching out to touch Jesus’ side, while other apostles flank them, observing the event with a mix of awe and curiosity. The use of strong contrast, detailed line work, and the expressive faces of the figures exemplify Durer’s technical skill and contribute to the dramatic intensity of the scene, which aims to convey a message of faith and revelation.
