Noli me tangere 1730s

"Noli me tangere" (meaning "Do not touch me") is an etching by Pietro Monaco from the 1730s. This print depicts the biblical story of the resurrected Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene. As Jesus is leaving the tomb, Mary Magdalene kneels before him, mistaking him for a gardener. The image is filled with dramatic tension as she reaches out to touch him. This work is a fine example of Baroque style etching, using contrasts of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and drama. The scene is further emphasized by the presence of angels above and the use of detailed foreground elements. This print is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.