Title of Art: Noli me tangere
Artist: Andrea del Sarto
Art Form: Painting
Date of Composition: 1510
Subjects: Mary Magdalene
Exhibit Institution: Le Gallerie degli Uffizi (The Uffizi)
Exhibit Location: Florence, Italy
VM Image #: 0044
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: January 7, 2023
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Andrea Del Sarto’s painting depicts the resurrection scene from John 20:17, when Jesus said noli me tangere, or touch me not, for I have yet to go to kingdom of heaven. Sarto created the painting for the church of San Gallo in Florence and received much acclaim for his work.
Mary Magdalene is kneeling, reaching out with her arms toward Jesus. She is wearing a blue dress, belted with gold, and a red wrap highlighting her active motion toward Jesus. Jesus stands apart from Mary, his hand alluding to his warning not to touch Him. He is dressed in blue, holding a Crusader banner topped with a gold cross. Mary’s body creates a visual diagonal line across the painting, drawing the viewer’s eye to Jesus and up to the cross. A large palm tree fills the painting’s left side, representing Jesus’s martyrdom. In the background, a bridge aligns with Mary’s left fingertips, connecting her to Christ at His arm.