Who painted 'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene?

'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene was painted by Peter Paul Rubens.

Where can I see 'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene?

'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is 'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene?

'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of 'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene?

Museum-quality prints of 'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene

Peter Paul Rubens

'Noli me tangere': the meeting of Christ and Mary Magdalene is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1650 by the Flemish painter and diplomat Peter Paul Rubens, this oil on canvas portrays the post‑Resurrection encounter between Christ and Mary Magdalene. The work exemplifies the energetic composition and rich palette typical of the Baroque period in the Low Countries, and it is presently part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene draws on the Gospel narrative in which the risen Christ appears to Mary Magdalene, who kneels in reverence while reaching toward him. Rubens emphasizes the spiritual tension between earthly devotion and divine revelation, using the modest attire of the woman and the exposed torso of Christ to underscore themes of humility and transcendence.

Technique & Style

Rubens employs a dramatic chiaroscuro, allowing the figures to emerge from a softened, atmospheric background of trees and distant light. The red cloak draped over Christ’s shoulder provides a vivid focal point against the muted tones of the surrounding landscape, while the subtle modeling of flesh and fabric demonstrates his mastery of oil paint’s capacity for depth and texture.

History & Provenance

The painting has remained in the public domain since the 17th century, eventually entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings where it is displayed among other works of the Flemish Baroque. Documentation traces its ownership through several European collections before its acquisition by the Dutch national museum in the early 20th century.

Context

Rubens produced this work during the latter stage of his career, a period marked by heightened religious commissions following the Counter‑Reformation. The composition reflects the era’s emphasis on emotional immediacy and visual persuasion, aligning with contemporary theological aims to make biblical episodes accessible and moving for viewers.