Unknown artist - Noli me tangere

Oil painting on panel depicting the encounter between the resurrected Christ and Mary Magdalene (Noli me tangere), first half 18th century, presumably Flemish.

The composition shows the encounter between the resurrected Christ and Mary Magdalene in a verdant garden landscape. Christ is depicted semi-nude, draped in a vivid red mantle and holding a gardener’s spad, an iconographic element referring to Mary mistaking him for a gardener. With an outstretched arm he gestures towards her, while Mary Magdalene kneels. The background features softly rendered trees and a distant townscape.

Noli me tangere ('touch me not') is the Latin version of a phrase spoken, according to John 20:17, by Jesus to Mary Magdalene when she recognized him after His resurrection.

Executed in oil on panel, in a carved and gilded frame.

Condition: in good overall condition with surface wear.

Dimensions: panel approx. 27 x 33.5 cm; frame approx. 39 x 45 cm.