The Incredulity of Thomas

This panel depicting the Incredulity of Thomas, in which the apostle probes Christ's wound, is from the reverse of Duccio di Buoninsegna's epochal Maestà altarpiece for Siena Cathedral, completed around 1308-1311. The post-Resurrection narrative scenes on the Maestà's back formed one of the most comprehensive christological cycles in medieval art. This intimate moment of doubt and faith held deep theological significance, affirming the bodily reality of Christ's resurrection against heretical spiritualist interpretations.

Executed in egg tempera and gold on panel, Duccio renders the scene with characteristic Sienese elegance — refined drawing, harmonious color, and subtle emotional expression in the figures. The architectural setting uses simplified Gothic forms to frame the encounter, creating a convincing interior space.