Fotoreproductie van De ongelovige Thomas door Peter Paul Rubens before 1877

This is Joseph Maes’ late 19th-century photogravure of Peter Paul Rubens' “The Incredulity of Saint Thomas.” Maes, born in 1838, lived in a time when Europe saw the rise of photography as a powerful tool for art reproduction and dissemination. Rubens’ painting captures the poignant biblical scene where the Apostle Thomas doubts Jesus' resurrection until he physically touches his wounds. This moment of doubt resonates deeply, and Maes' reproduction makes the intensely personal and emotional experience of faith accessible to a wider audience. By capturing the raw emotion and human vulnerability in Rubens’ work, Maes taps into a desire for tangible, evidence-based faith that was increasingly relevant in an era grappling with scientific advancements and questioning traditional beliefs. This reproduction serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason, doubt and belief, and the enduring human need for connection and understanding.