Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene (Noli me tangere) - Pietro del Po

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Pietro del Po depicting the biblical encounter between Christ and Mary Magdalene in a garden.

This etching by the Italian artist Pietro del Po depicts the biblical scene known as Noli me tangere, or 'touch me not'. The composition captures the moment after the Resurrection when Christ reveals himself to Mary Magdalene in a garden. Christ is shown standing, dressed in simple garments and holding a spade, a visual reference to his appearance as a gardener to Mary. His posture is calm, with one hand raised in a gesture of restraint, while Mary Magdalene kneels before him in a state of devotion and surprise.

The work reflects the stylistic conventions of the seventeenth-century Italian Baroque. Del Po employs precise line work to define the figures and the surrounding environment. The drapery of Mary Magdalene's robes is rendered with careful attention to shadow and volume, creating a sense of weight and movement. The background features a structured garden setting, with a low wall and trees that provide a sense of depth without distracting from the central interaction between the two figures. The use of light and shadow, or chiaroscuro, is balanced, allowing the viewer to focus on the expressions and gestures of the subjects.

Pietro del Po was a painter and printmaker active in Rome and Naples. His work often drew inspiration from the classical traditions of the period, and his prints were widely circulated. This particular piece demonstrates his technical proficiency in the medium of etching, using varied line weights to suggest texture and form. The scene is presented with a sense of quiet gravity, avoiding excessive theatricality while maintaining the emotional weight of the encounter. The print serves as a clear example of how religious narratives were interpreted through the lens of seventeenth-century printmaking, prioritising clarity of form and narrative focus.