Christ and the Apostles: St. Thomas (with the Square)
1604
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1604
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting depicts a man with a long, curly beard and hair, dressed in a robe. He is holding a square object in his right hand, while his left hand rests on an open book. The man's gaze is directed downward, and his facial expression is contemplative. The man's attire and the presence of the book suggest that he may be a biblical figure or a scholar. The square object he holds could be a symbol of his profession or a tool used in his work. The painting's style and the use of chiaroscuro suggest that it is a product of the Baroque period. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject. To learn more about this style, explore the Baroque movement.