stop doubting...

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas was painted by Caravaggio between 1601 and 1602. Even though both chiaroscuro and realistic portrayals of people were applied in art during the century beforehand, Caravaggio played a large role in shaping the Baroque period of art by redefining them and making them more dramatic. The dramatic nature of his art was portrayed both in his wild personality and in the varied way in which his work was received by the public; he was well liked because of his intensity, but he also stirred up much controversy over the proper-ness of his paintings because of that realism. His use of chiaroscuro is clear in this painting, as we see the focused light and deep, impenetrable shadows.

I can understand why Caravaggio seemed to stir up controversy and why some disliked or rejected his work. When I look at this image, something within me wants to reject it as well. It is not the fact that Thomas is touching Jesus' side, but the way in which he is poking his finger into it. The expression on his face and the angle at which his finger is gives me the feeling that it could be a spear, cutting Jesus all over again--only this time with the doubt of Thomas. I guess to me this picture feels invasive... perhaps, among other things, invading the mystery of Jesus. That kind of begs the question of whether or not Jesus is, or should be mysterious. He came to earth to reveal himself and he appeared to Thomas welcoming him to touch his side. Why would he have welcomed Thomas to touch his side if he didn't want him to?

I think this image is both true and not true. Because the gospel of John doesn't say that Thomas did in fact touch Jesus' side, if we think about this picture historically, I would say that it is not true. However, if we look at it as descriptive of the present age, I think it could be true. Jesus welcomed Thomas to touch him and turn away from his doubt, and I think he welcomes us as well--not physically, but in many other ways he calls to us. I think the problem, however, is that often people poke at Jesus with criticism and cynicism-- not to believe, but rather to be convinced-- and holding on to their doubt...

... just some beginning thoughts

http://www.moodbook.com/art/caravaggio.html