Ongelovige Thomas

About this artwork

pen in bruin en penseel in grijs

Art Historical Context

**Ongelovige Thomas (Doubting Thomas)** *By Nicolaas Hogenberg, ca. 1510–before 1527* *Pen and brown ink with gray wash, diameter 331 mm* This captivating drawing by Nicolaas Hogenberg depicts the biblical story of Doubting Thomas, where the apostle touches Christ's wounds to affirm the resurrection—a powerful symbol of faith overcoming skepticism in Christian iconography. Created in the early 16th century during the Northern Renaissance, Hogenberg's work reflects the era's emphasis on religious devotion amid the looming Reformation. As a Dutch draftsman and engraver, he often produced intricate studies like this circular composition, likely preparatory for prints that spread devotional imagery across Europe. Hogenberg masterfully employs pen in brown ink for precise lines, capturing expressive figures and dramatic gestures, enhanced by subtle gray wash for depth and shadow. This technique, common in Netherlandish workshops, allowed economical yet evocative sketches that bridged drawing and printmaking. At 331 mm in diameter, its intimate scale invites close contemplation, highlighting the tactile moment of belief. A gem of early modern draftsmanship, *Ongelovige Thomas* underscores the cultural role of such works in fostering personal piety, preserved as a testament to Hogenberg's skill in an age of artistic innovation.