H. Thomas c. 1596

Curator: I find myself strangely drawn to the etched portrait of Saint Thomas, circa 1596. It is on display here at the Rijksmuseum, rendered with astonishing detail by Zacharias Dolendo. Editor: It’s austere, isn’t it? I mean, even for a portrait of a saint! He looks almost...severe? Though his raised finger seems to point towards revelation. Or maybe he is just giving directions. Curator: Ha! Perhaps a bit of both! Notice the meticulous linework defining every contour. Dolendo captures the very essence of Saint Thomas's symbolic persona—that quest for tangible proof and, crucially, unwavering faith. The spear nestled on his shoulder, a symbol of martyrdom but also earthly burden... Editor: That spear's position—resting so casually—gives him the air of a pilgrim or wanderer. Not a celestial being floating in bliss but a weathered man still figuring things out, questioning... Like most of us, maybe? Even with the halo faintly glimmering around his head. Curator: Exactly. And recall the traditional iconography associated with Saint Thomas. Often referred to as "Doubting Thomas" – this epithet speaks volumes. Editor: The etching style... reminds me of maps from that time! Charts guiding explorers to new territories, whether continents or states of mind. Is Thomas charting faith through his doubts? That direct gaze challenges any complacent view. Curator: Dolendo’s composition is equally powerful; see how the circular frame enhances a sense of confinement but equally radiates eternity, a world both within and beyond the earthly existence… It almost feels like Saint Thomas occupies the very space between belief and skepticism, a universal theme, ever relevant. Editor: I am moved how much information about humanity can be conveyed through minimal lines. There’s an entire inner world hinted at, all radiating outwards into our own lives! Who would imagine such intense personal reflection emanating from a tiny etched portrait?