The Martyrdom of Saint Thomas
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius
(Dutch, 1558–1617)
Artistafter
Maarten de Vos
(Flemish, 1532–1603)
Dateabout 1578
Mediumengraving on cream wove paper
Dimensions21.0 x 28.8 cm (plate), 21.8 x 29.6 cm (sheet)
ClassificationsPrints
Credit LineTheodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Fund
Object number2011.304
Label TextOne from a suite published by Aux quatre vents, this plate reflects Goltzius’s brilliance in his formative years. Its fine hatching is similar to Wierix and Galle family productions. Thomas is best remembered for doubting the resurrection, until he met the risen Christ in the flesh. The Apostle carried Christianity all the way to South India. At the time information about Columbus’s western discoveries and Da Gama’s travels to the East was still widely misunderstood. So De Vos depicted his persecutors as feather-clad New World aborigines, rather than Hindus of Kerala.ProvenanceMr. James Bergquist, Newton Centre, MAOn View
Not on view
