Kristus og den vantro Thomas 1882

This print of ‘Christ and the Doubting Thomas’ was made by Carl Bloch in 1882. It's an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid to create lines in a metal plate, which are then inked and transferred to paper. The effect of the etching process is visible in the fine, delicate lines that define the figures and their drapery. Look closely, and you can see the way Bloch has used hatching and cross-hatching to build up tone and create a sense of depth. The image almost seems to emerge from the darkness of the background. But beyond the technical skill, the choice of etching also has social significance. Printmaking was a key technology in the democratization of images in the 19th century. It allowed for the mass production and dissemination of art, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite. So, in a way, the very medium of this work speaks to the Christian message of universal accessibility.