H. Thomas 1608 - 1649

Claude Mellan's "H. Thomas" is a 17th-century engraving depicting Saint Thomas, a figure known for his skepticism. This detailed print, housed at the Rijksmuseum, showcases Mellan's mastery of linework, evident in the intricate rendering of Saint Thomas's drapery and the surrounding landscape. The inscription at the bottom, "Descendit ad inferos tertia die resurrexit a mortuis" ("He descended into hell on the third day, he rose from the dead"), underscores the biblical narrative of Saint Thomas's resurrection. This artwork is a testament to the enduring legacy of religious iconography in art.