Noli me tangere
Medium
Etching
Dimensions
Sheet (Trimmed): 19 9/16 × 13 7/8 in. (49.7 × 35.3 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1962
Accession Number
62.602.576
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Created in the 1730s, *Noli me tangere* captures the poignant biblical moment when the risen Christ appears to Mary Magdalene and instructs her not to touch him. The etching reflects the collaborative efforts of Francesco Solimena, a prominent Neapolitan painter known for his dramatic Baroque compositions, and Pietro Monaco, the skilled printmaker who translated the design into this medium. Produced during a period when prints played a vital role in sharing religious imagery across Europe, this work exemplifies how etchings extended the reach of large-scale paintings to broader audiences. The technique allowed for fine detail and expressive line work, making complex scenes accessible beyond church walls or private collections. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this sheet highlights the enduring appeal of the subject and the technical artistry of 18th-century printmaking. Its generous dimensions further suggest it was intended for display and contemplation.
About the Artist
Francesco Solimena|Pietro Monaco · 1657–1747
Comment on works: History; Religious