Sevillian school; late seventeenth century.

Sevillian school; late seventeenth century.
"The denial of St. Thomas".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
Measurements: 48 x 33 cm.
This painting depicts the episode that gave rise to the term "doubting Thomas" which, formally known as the Incredulity of Thomas, had been frequently depicted in Christian art since at least the 5th century, and used to make a variety of theological points. According to the Gospel of John, the Apostle Thomas missed one of Jesus' appearances to the Apostles after His resurrection and said, "Unless I see the nail marks on his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand in his side, I will not believe it. John 20:25 A week later, Jesus appeared and told Thomas to touch him and stop doubting. Then Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29.