Jacob Pynas (1592/1593-1650/1660) - attributed to, Jacob Pynas (1592/1593-1650/1660) - attributed to Noli me tangere

Oil on Wood 35 x 51.5 cm

The painting captures the poignant encounter between the risen Christ and Mary Magdalene, as recounted in John 20:11-18. The artist skillfully imbues the scene with profound emotional depth, evident in the expressive postures and facial expressions of the figures. Mary Magdalene, arriving at Jesus' tomb to find it empty, initially mistakes him for the gardener. It is only when Jesus reveals himself that she recognizes him, prompting her to address him as Master. His response, "Noli me tangere" (Do not touch me), underscores the sacredness of the moment.

In the painting by Pynas, the story is told parallel to the picture like an antique frieze. The figures are shown from the side and fill the picture space in height. Christ wears his burial shroud wrapped around his body like an antique robe and a sun hat like a gardener. The unmistakable marks of the stigmata adorn his hands and feet. Mary Magdalene, attired in a red dress, blue skirt, and yellow bodice, kneels in reverent awe, her arms outstretched in astonishment and overwhelming emotion. To the right, the burial cave opens at the edge of the picture, while to the left, the garden is bathed in the dawning light of day, symbolizing the dawn of a new era heralded by Christ's resurrection. Oil on wood, 35 × 51.5cm.