The Doubting Thomas, from "The Small Passion"
Original title: The Doubting Thomas, from "The Small Passion"
kurzbeschreibung
This woodcut by Albrecht Dürer, dated around 1510, depicts the biblical scene of Doubting Thomas. Christ, identified by his halo, stands barefoot in a simple tunic, while the apostles gather around him in a compact group. The print is part of Dürer's renowned series, The Small Passion.
Description
The composition centers on Christ, who raises his left arm and points to his chest with his right index finger, a gesture associated with the Resurrection. Surrounding him, several apostles are arranged in a tight group, their varied postures and gazes conveying a mix of reverence and curiosity. The scene is rendered in stark black-and-white, with fine hatching creating subtle gradations of tone. Light appears to emanate from above, emphasizing the contours of the figures and the radiant crown above Christ's head. The overall arrangement is balanced, with Christ as the clear focal point.
Context
Dürer created The Small Passion between 1509 and 1511, a cycle of 37 woodcuts illustrating the life and suffering of Christ. This particular scene depicts the moment when the apostle Thomas doubts Christ's resurrection until he sees and touches his wounds. Dürer's woodcuts were widely distributed and contributed to the spread of Renaissance imagery across Europe. The series was published as a book in 1511, with text on the reverse of each print.
Impact
The woodcut's precise lines and dramatic lighting give the scene a sense of gravity and intimacy. The grouping of the apostles around Christ draws the viewer into the moment of doubt and revelation. Dürer's mastery of the medium lends the image a sculptural quality, making the figures feel tangible and lifelike.
Technique
This work is a woodcut, a relief printing technique where the image is carved into a wooden block, inked, and transferred to paper. Dürer employed fine, cross-hatched lines to create depth and shadow, demonstrating his exceptional skill in the medium. The print is monochrome, relying entirely on line and tone rather than color.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public domain (CC0)