De ongelovige Thomas c. 1860 - 1900

This is Johannes Arnoldus Boland's "De ongelovige Thomas", an etching where stark lines carve out a scene of profound doubt and revelation. The composition centres on the risen Christ, his figure illuminated against a backdrop of shadow, while Thomas reaches out, compelled to touch the wound in His side. Observe how Boland orchestrates light and shadow. The crispness of the lines creates a dramatic contrast, drawing our eyes to the tactile encounter between Thomas and Christ. The use of texture suggests a deeper philosophical question of faith and empirical evidence. Through the graphic medium of etching, Boland destabilizes the notion of unquestioning belief. The artwork does not just depict a biblical scene, it presents a visual argument. It invites us to consider the interplay between seeing and believing. The composition highlights that faith can emerge from a place of uncertainty.