Incredulity of Saint Thomas
- Artist: Polidoro da Caravaggio
- Date: 1531 - 1535
- Medium: oil on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the “Incredulity of Saint Thomas” by Polidoro da Caravaggio. The scene opens with the apostle’s skeptical gaze, the moment before he finally believes. Polidoro invites us into that tense instant by positioning Thomas right at the crux of doubt—he’s thrust two fingers into Christ’s side, touching the very wound that confirms the resurrection. It’s a visceral way to prove faith, a visual counterpoint to any lingering skepticism.
The composition is bold and commanding. Even though the panel has suffered some wear, the dramatic foreshortening still pulls the viewer forward. Polidoro’s use of chiaroscuro—his dramatic contrasts of light and shadow—creates a palpable sense of depth and tension. The figures are rendered with a sense of immediacy that feels almost theatrical.
Commissioned by the Farone family, a prominent Sicilian house, the altarpiece carries a layer of patronage history that adds to its intrigue. Though only a handful of Polidoro’s works survive, this piece stands out as a testament to his skill, especially given its date of 1531‑1535. The oil on panel medium gives the colors a subtle warmth that lingers, reinforcing the emotional weight of the scene. In short, the painting is a powerful visual sermon that speaks directly to the heart of faith.
See it in person
Incredulity of Saint Thomas hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
