Thomas wordt gevangen genomen 1610

This engraving, by Cornelis Boel, made sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century, depicts the capture of Saint Thomas. It plunges us into a moment of high drama and offers a window into the religious and social tensions of its time. Made in the Netherlands, likely Antwerp, this print reflects a society grappling with religious upheaval. The visual codes are striking, with the saintly figure contrasted against the aggressive postures of his captors. The presence of Roman soldiers in the scene is not accidental. It evokes the historical context of religious persecution and martyrdom. To understand this work better, we might consider consulting pamphlets and theological treatises of the period. Art historians look to such resources to understand the social conditions that shape artistic production and to emphasize the power of art to challenge existing social norms.