Apostel Thomas c. 1588 - 1622

Jacques Granthomme created this print of the Apostle Thomas using engraving, a process demanding immense patience and skill. A design is etched into a metal plate, usually copper, with a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, they create the image. Engraving was central to the rise of print culture, allowing for mass production and distribution of images. Note the fine lines, meticulously carved, defining the Apostle's face, hair, and clothing. The texture is achieved through varied densities of line, a testament to Granthomme’s mastery. Prints like this weren't just about aesthetics. They were a crucial means of disseminating knowledge, religious doctrine, and political ideas. This Apostle Thomas would have been one of many, reproduced to meet demand, reflecting both the artistic skill of Granthomme and the economic forces driving printmaking at the time. So, next time you look at a print, remember that it embodies the convergence of art, technology, and social context.