Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas, by Carlo Crivelli ©National Gallery, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 28 January 2025
Mark 3:31-35

At that time: The mother of Jesus and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, 'Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.' And he answered them, 'Who are my mother and my brothers?' And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.'

Reflection on the painting

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas, one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in the history of Christianity. Among the few artistic depictions of Aquinas, our painting by Carlo Crivelli, is perhaps the most iconic. Frequently reproduced in publications discussing Aquinas, this panel was originally part of a larger work, the Demidoff Altarpiece, created for the church of San Domenico in Ascoli in the late 15th century. Interestingly, dedicated stand-alone portrayals of St Thomas are rare, and this panel itself serves more as a fragment of a larger narrative than an independent homage to the saint.

Crivelli's craftsmanship in this work is remarkable, employing techniques that bring the image to life with a sense of depth. The gilding is highly tooled, with intricate punching, and incising, particularly around the saint's halo, creating a three dimensional luminous effect that would have shimmered beautifully in the candlelit interior of its original setting. The use of pastiglia, a technique where raised areas are created on the surface, adds further dimension, most notably in the brooch resting over St Thomas' heart. This detail symbolises that Aquinas' teachings were not only intellectual pursuits but also deeply rooted in his heart and soul, encapsulating the harmonious balance of faith and reason.

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was an Italian Dominican friar, born into a noble family in Roccasecca, near Aquino. He was educated at the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino and later at the University of Naples, where he encountered Aristotelian philosophy. Against his family's wishes, he joined the Dominican Order, dedicating his life to the pursuit of truth through study, teaching, and writing. Aquinas studied under Albertus Magnus in Cologne and Paris, where he developed his profound synthesis of faith and reason, integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. His most famous work, the Summa Theologica, remains a cornerstone of Catholic doctrine. He also wrote numerous commentaries on Scripture and Aristotle, and authored hymns such as Pange Lingua and Tantum Ergo, still used in Catholic liturgy today. Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567, Aquinas is celebrated as the "Angelic Doctor" for his unparalleled intellect and deep spirituality.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-3-31-35-2025/