Abstract

This article is the first publication of a lead seal from a private collection that bears the image of the Incredulity of Thomas. Based upon epigraphy and decorative motifs the seal is assigned to the sixth century. It is the only known sphragistic example of the image of the Incredulity of Thomas and its iconography is compared to other contemporary examples in other media, especially objects of pilgrimage art, among which is a sixth-century gold medallion bearing a similar image, also published for the first time. The image of the seal reflects the thought world of contemporary pilgrimage art and homiletical literature that stresses the believer's transformative participation in Thomas' faith in the reality of Christ's saving Resurrection