The artwork titled “St. Thomas” is an engraving by Albrecht Dürer, created in the year 1514. Dürer, a Northern Renaissance artist, crafted this religious-themed piece, which is presently held in a private collection. The medium of engraving highlights the fine detail and skill synonymous with Dürer’s work.
In this engraving, we see a figure interpreted as St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The figure is turned slightly away from the viewer, looking to the left, with a halo of radiant lines emanating from behind the head, signifying sanctity. St. Thomas is depicted holding a long spear, which is traditionally associated with his martyrdom. He is also seen holding a book, which may symbolize the New Testament or his role in spreading the Christian gospel. His attire is elaborate, with detailed folds in his robes, indicating the high level of craftsmanship in Dürer’s engraving technique. On the bottom left, you can recognize Dürer’s famous monogram – the overlapping letters “A” and “D”, indicating his authorship of the piece – and the year of creation, 1514, inscribed on a small block. The background is minimal, focusing the viewer’s attention on the figure of the saint. The precision and finesse of the line work exemplify the Northern Renaissance style, where a high importance was placed on detail and realism.
