Monday, March 18, 2019

Bailey on Caravaggio

Caravaggio, The Incredulity of St. Thomas





The art of the 17th was baroque style which was known for its exaggerated motion and clear detail. This style was used to evoke the drama of the specific piece of artwork. The directness of the artwork was used to appeal to the senses and emotions in order to make an impact.
The significant piece of art from this era is “The Incredulity of St. Thomas”. The painting has also come to be known by “Doubting Thomas” as well. This painting was created by Caravaggio in 1603. Caravaggio is said to the be the Italian Baroque master. This famous painting demonstrates the baroque style that represented 17th century art. In this painting, Saint Thomas’ hand is being guided by Jesus. This creates a dramatic focal point to the painting and demonstrated movement in order to reach the senses and emotions in new ways.
Jesus’ hand guides Saint Thomas’s into his wound. This draws the attention of Saint Thomas and the two other men in the painting. These men are more fascinated with the physical evidence of the wound rather than Christ himself. This demonstrates the baroque movement of artwork because it a dramatic movement that is the focal point of the piece.
The central point of the painting is clearly religious. It shows evidence of Christ’s crucifixion by Saint Thomas touching his wound. Thomas has a surprised look upon his face as if in unbelief, which is why the painting earned the name “Doubting Thomas” later on. One specific religious application to this painting is that Jesus is in clear human form with signs of wounds and hurt, which makes his resurrection more miraculous in contrast. This religious aspect of this artwork is also fitting for the 17th century.
The painting is now displayed in a museum in Germany. Caravaggio had many famous works before he passed away in 1610 in Italy .

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