Noli me tangere c. 18th century

Curator: This is Giovanni Battista Cipriani's "Noli me tangere", an undated work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts the biblical scene of Mary Magdalene encountering the resurrected Christ. The sepia ink wash gives it such a subdued, ethereal feel. Editor: It does. The lines are so fluid, almost hesitant. I’m struck by how the artist uses clothing—draped, yet minimal—to both conceal and reveal the figures' forms and what that reveals about social norms. Curator: I find it fascinating how Cipriani, working within the late 18th and early 19th century, translates such a potent religious moment into a composition that feels both classical and intimate. How do you see institutions shaping its reception? Editor: The choice of medium and the artist's background matter. It suggests a certain level of patronage and how religious narratives were circulated among elite artistic circles. It is very clear the art world has shaped this work. Curator: True, and considering the materials used, the labor involved, and the potential market for such works, it offers insight into the artistic practices of the period. Editor: Precisely. Seeing this piece allows us a glimpse into social structures back then and how they shaped both artistic production and consumption.