Ongelovige Tomas 1751 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles created this engraving, Ongelovige Tomas, sometime between 1741 and 1816. The composition is immediately striking, defined by stark contrasts of light and shadow. The artist's adept use of line and texture creates a sense of depth, pulling us into the intimate moment of Thomas touching Jesus's wound. Vinkeles uses precise lines to delineate form, yet the scene is far from static. Instead, the artist captures the tension between doubt and belief. This is achieved through the careful arrangement of figures, with Thomas's reaching hand acting as a focal point in the scene, questioning the empirical truth. The structured, architectural backdrop contrasts with the organic contours of the figures, enhancing the drama. The thematic exploration of faith through the interplay of light, shadow, and line provides a compelling example of how formal elements can convey profound intellectual and emotional content, challenging the viewer to consider the complexities inherent in questions of faith and reason.