Ongeloof van Tomas 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, "Ongeloof van Tomas," using etching techniques. The composition centres on the interplay between light and shadow, structuring our gaze. Hollar uses line and texture to render the figures and architectural backdrop. Thomas, kneeling, reaches out to touch Christ's wound, a gesture that embodies the drama and intimacy of the scene. The arrangement of the figures—their postures and expressions—conveys doubt, revelation, and belief. The classical architecture in the background provides a formal structure, its columns and entablature creating a stage-like setting that enhances the theatricality. The stark contrasts in tone serve to highlight the emotional and spiritual tension inherent in the narrative, compelling us to reflect on the nature of faith itself. The formal elements serve not just as aesthetic choices but as a means of conveying deeper philosophical and cultural meanings.