Ongeloof van Tomas 1621

Giovanni Battista Pasqualini made this engraving, "The Incredulity of Thomas", around 1621. It depicts the moment the Apostle Thomas doubts Jesus's resurrection, demanding to touch his wounds before believing. This image was produced in Italy during the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority against Protestant challenges. Images like this one played a crucial role, emphasizing the tangible, physical reality of Christ's suffering and resurrection, as seen in the detailed rendering of Christ’s wounds. The demand to see and touch can be linked to the growing importance of empirical evidence in the 17th century. The Church’s stance on faith and belief is reflected here, as well as the art institution’s role in communicating religious dogma. Historical study of this print involves looking into religious history, theological debates, and the political context of Counter-Reformation Italy. Understanding art means considering the social and institutional forces at play during its creation.