Apostel Tomas before 1646

This engraving, "Apostel Tomas," by Christoffel van (II) Sichem, depicts Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Dated before 1646, the artwork portrays the apostle holding a spear, a reference to his martyrdom. This is a classic example of early Dutch printmaking, often used for religious devotion. The artist's meticulous detail and use of line create a sense of realism and drama, effectively portraying the solemnity of the saint. This piece was likely intended for personal devotion and reflects the strong religious influence on Dutch art during the 17th century.