Saint Thomas c. 17th century

Editor: This is Sébastien Le Clerc's "Saint Thomas," a print from the Harvard Art Museums. The cross-hatching creates such texture! What symbols stand out to you? Curator: Notice the spear, a potent emblem of Thomas's martyrdom, piercing our cultural memory with his unwavering faith. What emotional weight does that evoke for you? Editor: It is a bit unsettling, a stark contrast to the book he holds. Curator: Indeed. The book signifies knowledge, reflection, the path to belief. Doesn't the juxtaposition invite contemplation on doubt and faith? Editor: Definitely. Seeing those symbols adds depth to a seemingly simple portrait. Curator: Precisely! Visual symbols are powerful carriers of meaning, echoing through time.