Scenes from the Life of St Thomas 

Luca di Tommè painted this scene from the life of St Thomas sometime in the 14th century. This was a time in Europe deeply shaped by religious belief and a strict social hierarchy. In the painting, we see St. Thomas at a banquet, a familiar scene in religious art, but look closer. The composition is not just about religious devotion. It is also deeply entrenched in the societal norms of the time. Consider the visual language used to depict power and status - the halo around St. Thomas's head, the rich fabrics of the royals in contrast to the less adorned figures. The devil in the corner is shown whispering in the ear of a man who is pointing at St. Thomas. Di Tommè uses the devil here as a signifier of social unease and resistance to the saint's teachings. Think about how religious narratives were used to reinforce social norms and address the tensions of the time. It's a fascinating look at how art and belief intersect with the realities of medieval life.