Noli me tangere 1581

'Noli me tangere' or ‘Touch me not’ as it translates, is an oil on copper panel painting made by Lavinia Fontana. As one of the few women artists working in the 16th Century, Fontana navigated a male-dominated art world. Her work invites us to consider the cultural and religious narratives of her time. The painting captures the moment when Mary Magdalene encounters the resurrected Christ. There's a palpable sense of longing and recognition in Mary’s posture as she reaches out, only to be met with Christ's gentle refusal. The phrase "Noli me tangere," embodies a complex interplay of desire, reverence, and the boundaries imposed by divine authority. Fontana challenges traditional representations by imbuing Mary Magdalene with agency and emotion. Here is a character who embodies the complexities of womanhood in a religious context. The interaction speaks to our contemporary understanding of gender, power, and spirituality. Fontana encourages viewers to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of faith.