Apostel Tomas 1712 - 1786

This print of Apostle Thomas was made by Giovanni Marco Pitteri using etching and engraving techniques. Pitteri’s tonal variations are achieved through careful manipulation of line. Look closely, and you'll see how the density of etched and engraved lines creates the illusion of light and shadow, giving volume to Thomas's face and clothing. The repetitive, labour-intensive process of etching and engraving demands patience and precision; the artist has to be committed to their art. The finished product is a testament to the engraver’s skill, and also the sophisticated print market of the time, which elevated such works to the status of art objects, not merely reproductions. In the end, this is not just a picture of Saint Thomas, but a complex product of artistic labor.