The Incredulity of St. Thomas Giuseppe Bazzani (1690-1769)

Here we observe a scene centered around a moment of profound doubt and revelation. A central figure, presumably representing a man recently subjected to suffering, reclines with his head tilted downwards, seemingly exhausted. His body is partially exposed, revealing the contours of his chest and shoulder; this vulnerability contributes to an atmosphere of intimacy and solemnity. He appears to be leaning into the touch of another individual who occupies the foreground.
This figure in the foreground, bearded and clad in a vibrant red garment with contrasting white sleeves, extends his hand towards the reclining man’s wound. His expression is one of intense scrutiny, almost disbelief, as he examines the physical evidence before him. The gesture itself is direct and probing, suggesting a need for tangible confirmation.
Flanking these two figures are others, positioned slightly behind and to the sides. Their faces exhibit varying degrees of emotion – some appear contemplative, while another seems to observe with a mixture of curiosity and perhaps even pity. These secondary characters contribute to the sense of witnessing an event of significant importance. The artist has arranged them in a pyramidal composition, drawing the viewers eye towards the central interaction.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, browns, and yellows – which create a feeling of warmth and immediacy. However, these are juxtaposed with cooler blues and greens in the background, suggesting a spiritual or heavenly realm beyond the immediate scene. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the figures’ faces and emphasizing the physicality of the wound being examined.
Subtly, theres an exploration of faith and reason at play. The act of physical verification – the touching of the wound – represents a challenge to belief, a demand for empirical proof. It speaks to the human struggle with accepting things that cannot be immediately understood or experienced. The vulnerability displayed by the reclining figure underscores the humanity of his experience, while the probing touch of the other man embodies the persistent questioning inherent in the search for truth.