The Doubting Thomas, from "The Small Passion"

The Doubting Thomas, from "The Small Passion" by Albrecht Dürer, executed around 1510, is a pivotal work of the Northern Renaissance graphic arts. This highly detailed woodcut print belongs to the celebrated series known as The Small Passion, a collection of biblical narratives designed for widespread devotional use among the growing market for printed works. Dürer was already established as the leading master graphic artist of his era when he created this series, utilizing the medium of the woodcut to achieve an unprecedented level of tonal richness and expressive composition.

The subject matter depicts the critical moment following the Resurrection, as described in the Gospel of John, where the Apostle Thomas, having doubted the initial reports of Christ's return, is invited to verify the wounds. The composition focuses intently on the interaction between the two men. Christ stands at the center, revealing the wound in his side, while Thomas reaches forward with palpable hesitation. The surrounding figures, fellow Apostles, bear witness to this demonstration of faith through physical evidence. Dürer masterfully employs strong, decisive lines typical of the woodcut technique, concentrating visual weight and emotion onto the central figures and their psychological tension.

This important example of German Renaissance prints, illustrating themes of doubt and revelation common in the period, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The widespread success of Dürer’s prints ensured their lasting influence across European artistic traditions. Today, due to the work's historical significance, detailed reproductions of this piece are frequently found in the public domain, allowing for continued study and appreciation of Dürer’s genius in combining theological narrative with printmaking mastery.