Name: icon "Confession of St. Thomas"

Author: unknown

Date: beginning of the 19th century

Country: Ukraine 

Technique/material: oil on panel

The icon is part of the iconostasis exhibited in the museum "Stara Skvaryava iconostasis of the XVI-XVIII centuries"

Description:

In the icon's central composition, Christ is depicted against the background of arched doors (a reference to the Gospel text where it is said that Jesus appeared to the disciples who had gathered and locked themselves in a room, fearing their enemies). Christ is shown naked, with only a red cloak draped over his body, and in front of him is the Apostle Thomas, touching his wounds on his chest with his finger (also a reference to the Gospel and Thomas’ words that he would not believe unless he touched Christ’s wounds). On either side of them, there are two Apostles depicted in poses that convey their astonishment and confusion. Interestingly, the artist depicted only five Apostles, contrary to the Gospel accounts that mention all the Apostles being present at the gathering. This “discrepancy” can be attributed to the modest artistic abilities of the painter, who may have “skipped” other characters in the event.

The description was prepared by Roman Zilinko, art historian, icon painter