Noli me Tangere
- Artist: Titian
- Date: about 1514
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the "Noli me Tangere" painted in the Italian north. It's a beautiful work by Titian, one of his earliest masterpieces in this collection. The painting depicts Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene in the Garden of Gethsemane. At first, she thinks he's just a gardener, but as she reaches out her hand, Christ says, 'Do not touch me', signaling that it's time for them to let go of his earthly presence and await the Holy Ghost.
Notice how Titian has captured the interplay between gesture and gaze between the two figures. The lines of the tree and hillside draw attention to their eye contact. This was an innovative approach at the time, as you can see in other works by Titian, such as "The Death of Peter Martyr".
Titian's use of high-key colors and setting the figures within a natural landscape echoes the style of Giorgione, with whom he trained. The painting also showcases his increasing understanding of the nude figure and its dynamic potential. The expressive brushwork and interest in textural possibilities are hallmarks of Titian's mature style.
This work is likely dated to about 1514, around the same time as "Sacred and Profane Love" and "Sleeping Venus". It's a remarkable example of Titian's ability to capture the subtleties of light and texture.
See it in person
Noli me Tangere hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
