"The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (recto); Sketches of Figures (verso)" is a significant drawing attributed to the Style of Nicolas Poussin French, 1594-1665. The recto masterfully depicts the dramatic biblical scene where Saint Thomas, convinced of the resurrection only through tangible proof, confronts the Risen Christ. The composition is executed using a sophisticated combination of materials characteristic of high-quality preparatory studies from the 17th century. The artist utilized pen and rich brown ink alongside brush and brown wash, layering these media over preliminary groundwork in graphite and subtle traces of red chalk on cream laid paper. This approach allows for stark contrasts and volumetric definition, heightening the emotional tension of the moment.
Dating from the middle decades of the 17th century (1614-1665), this drawing reflects the highly intellectual and classically oriented aesthetic that Poussin championed in France. Although the authorship is credited to his style, the work exhibits the formal clarity, expressive gesture, and balanced figural arrangement that defined the French classical Baroque school. The attention to anatomy and drapery suggests the hand of a highly skilled contemporary or direct follower of the master. The reverse side of the sheet, designated as Sketches of Figures (verso), offers an invaluable glimpse into the artist’s creative process, featuring light graphite studies of figures seemingly unrelated to the primary scene.
This historical drawing, which exemplifies the preparation required for complex religious painting in France, provides crucial insight into the dissemination of Poussin's stylistic innovations. This drawing is permanently housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it serves as a key reference point for studying 17th-century drafting techniques. Owing to its historical importance and age, high-resolution prints of this seminal work frequently enter the public domain, making the style of Poussin accessible for global scholarship and appreciation.
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