Doubting Thomas c. 1460

"Doubting Thomas" is a small, unsigned work, likely part of a larger illuminated manuscript. During the medieval period, such images served as vital tools for religious instruction, especially for those who couldn't read. The story it tells, of Thomas’s demand to physically touch Jesus' wounds, speaks to a broader cultural tension between faith and empirical evidence. Thomas embodies the human desire for proof, challenging the viewer to consider the nature of belief. Consider this artwork as a reflection on vulnerability. Thomas kneels, exposing not just his doubt, but also his profound need for reassurance. How does the artist invite empathy for Thomas, whose skepticism touches on universal human experiences of uncertainty and longing? As you look closely, remember that art like this asks us to grapple with our own doubts, and to find meaning in the space between what we see and what we believe.