Collections: European Art: The Disbelief of Saint Thomas (Incredulité de Saint Thomas)

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The Disbelief of Saint Thomas (Incredulité de Saint Thomas)

• Portfolio/Series: The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ (La Vie de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ)

The apostle Thomas, who had received the news but not a visit from the risen Christ, refuses to believe in the reality of the Resurrection. When Christ again appears to the disciples, Thomas is still not convinced and, for confirmation, wants to put his fingers into Christ’s wounds. Jesus invites him to do just that but then reproaches him for his lack of belief. Now kneeling before his master, Thomas hangs his head in shame, as Jesus bares his wounded side and declares to Thomas, as well as to all who doubt, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”


• Artist: James Tissot, French, 1836-1902
• Medium: Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
• Place Made: France
• Dates: 1886-1894
• Dimensions: Image: 7 13/16 x 5 5/16 in. (19.8 x 13.5 cm) Sheet: 7 13/16 x 5 5/16 in. (19.8 x 13.5 cm)
• Signature: Signed bottom right: "J.J. Tissot"
• Collections: European Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Robert E. Blum Gallery, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 00.159.341
• Credit Line: Purchased by public subscription
• Image: Overall, 00.159.341_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Disbelief of Saint Thomas (Incredulité de Saint Thomas), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 7 13/16 x 5 5/16 in. (19.8 x 13.5 cm) Sheet: 7 13/16 x 5 5/16 in. (19.8 x 13.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.341 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.341_PS2.jpg)