This painting on calfskin vellum reproduces “The Doubting of Thomas” from Ms 101, fol. 89 in the Getty Museum collection, which originates from somewhere between 1190 — 1200. It was painted using white egg tempera — mixed with both mineral and vegetable pigments — upon a 24 karat gold background.
Doubting of Thomas
The “Doubting of Thomas” refers to the skepticism of the Apostle Thomas. He refused to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, even when the apostles testified of his revival. We can read this in John 20:25 where is written:
24 […] But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
John 20:25 (King James)
Eight days after Thomas’ proclamation, Jesus again showed himself to the Apostles. This time, Thomas was amongst them, and Jesus first spoke to him:
27 Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:27-29 (King James)