Noli Me Tangere, from The Passion of Christ, plate 25 1664

Grégoire Huret made this print, Noli Me Tangere, as part of his series on 'The Passion of Christ.' It depicts the moment when the resurrected Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, telling her "Touch me not." Huret was working in 17th century France, where the Catholic Church was a major power. Religious imagery was carefully controlled, often used to reinforce doctrine and inspire piety. This print, with its dramatic lighting and idealized figures, is typical of the period. But consider its social context. France was a society of strict social hierarchy. Huret’s image invites us to think about the role of women in the church, and their relationship to authority. Mary Magdalene, a woman of questionable reputation, is the first witness to Christ’s resurrection, challenging social norms. To understand this print better, we might look at theological texts, popular devotional practices, and the lives of women in 17th century France. Art is never made in a vacuum, and its meaning is always shaped by the social and institutional forces of its time.