Prima facie , I think the person in white is trying to exemplify a point to the other three gentlemen. Not only do the three people look anxious, but also they are attentive and are all wondering about something. My first feeling was that the person with his chest open is illustrating something based on his heart; however, I realized that he is showing the right part of his body. The impression I get is that the man in white has a condition that requires medical attention and is therefore asking the others for advice.
The art represents Apostle Jesus showing wounds to Thomas. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Thomas found it hard to believe that Jesus came from the dead. While Thomas knew how Jesus, since he was one of his twelve disciples, he was adamant that there was no way he had come out of the dead (John 20:27). The wounds are evidence enough that the person standing next to him is Jesus. The scars were as a result of the suffering he went through before he was crucified. Specifically, he sustained that wound from a Roman soldier’s lance. Symbolically, the art depicts a scene of people who are skeptical in society. Not only is it relevant in most social setups, but it is also contemporary art.
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Caravaggio drew the art “Incredulity of Saint Thomas” in 1601 (“Caravaggio: Doubting Thomas,” n.d.). Art symbolized what is happening in society. In our case, the artist (Caravaggio) was most likely motivated by the existence of many individuals who doubt everything. Such individuals lack trust and are only convinced upon production of proof. Using a biblical scene from the New Testament, the artist wanted to make sure the art is universal.
In summary, the art depicts a scene in the New Testament, where Thomas doubts whether the person standing in front of him is Jesus. In reaction, Jesus shows him a wound he sustained before he died. These wounds are a proof of the horrible ordeal that Jesus went through during crucification. The art acts to remind Christians that Jesus died for us and as a result, we should do what is right and abandon sin and follow Christ.
References
Caravaggio: Doubting, Thomas . (n.d.). ArtBible.info. https://www.artbible.info/art/large/10.html
NIV Study Bible, eBook .
