Christus verschijnt aan Maria Magdalena (Noli me tangere) 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this engraving, Christus verschijnt aan Maria Magdalena, sometime between 1660 and 1737. It captures a pivotal moment in Christian theology, yet it also invites us to consider the complexities of gender, belief, and representation. The scene depicts the resurrected Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene. The Latin phrase "Noli me tangere," or "Touch me not," underscores a moment of separation, laden with spiritual and emotional intensity. Mary Magdalene, often interpreted as a symbol of female devotion and repentance, reaches out, embodying both longing and reverence. Gole's rendering reflects the social constructs of his time, where religious narratives were tools to reinforce societal norms. Yet, the print also captures the vulnerability inherent in faith, and the deeply personal encounter between the divine and the human. The emotional core of this work lies in the tension between physical desire and spiritual transcendence. It's a question of how we, as viewers, grapple with the intersection of the sacred and the intimate.