Saint Thomas c. 1480

This image of Saint Thomas was created by Martin Schongauer in the 15th century using the intaglio printmaking technique of engraving. With only a few tools — burins, scorpers, and burnishers — Schongauer incised lines into a copper plate, carefully controlling the depth and thickness of each mark to create a range of tonal effects. He used these marks to suggest textures such as the dense curls of Saint Thomas' hair and beard, and the heavy folds of his cloak. The plate was then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The image was transferred to paper under high pressure. Printmaking was a relatively new technology in Schongauer’s time. By mastering and elevating the technique of engraving, he expanded the possibilities of the medium, demonstrating its potential as a mode of artistic expression, and challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. Because prints could be reproduced and distributed widely, Schongauer’s Saint Thomas and other engravings helped to democratize art, making it accessible to a broader audience. This also laid the foundation for the modern concept of the artist as someone who creates images for a market.