Incredulity of Thomas 

Curator: Looking at this striking print, its scale is initially surprising. It's smaller than one might expect for such a powerful subject. Editor: I agree. My immediate impression is its raw intensity, that etched red contrasting with the somber mood. It practically bleeds with emotion, despite the limited palette. Curator: The piece is entitled "Incredulity of Thomas," made with intaglio engraving by Ivan Valtchev. We don't have a specific date for its creation, but its engagement with religious narratives places it within a long tradition of history painting through printmaking. The history of intaglio as a reproductive process for widely circulating images has had long social and political implications as this allows more to see the same artworks across geographic boundaries. Editor: It's fascinating how Valtchev uses the symbolic language. The doubting Thomas, reaching out to touch the wound – it's not just about verifying Christ’s resurrection but a deep psychological moment about faith. His hesitation, his need for tangible proof, speaks volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the visual impact such imagery would have, the Church, or powerful wealthy patrons, and the social messages they wished to express regarding belief. Engravings democratized religious instruction through the image, bringing it into the homes of the wider public. Editor: The halo above Christ’s head becomes less a sign of divinity and more an attribute, yet he embodies reassurance. The surrounding figures appear lost in shadows, giving this small-scale work monumental power. The very act of representation, particularly in a printed form, grants immortality of the narrative, too. Curator: Precisely. That contrast, between shadow and light, has resonated deeply throughout art history, reinforcing the concept of the physical and metaphysical as different parts of faith. Editor: The symbolism within Valtchev's print provides a cultural connection across centuries and still triggers a strong reaction today. Curator: I would add, understanding how such images were widely circulated reminds us how art played a critical public role throughout history. Editor: Ultimately, a powerful glimpse into faith, doubt, and enduring symbols.