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Noli me tangere ("Touch me not") painted by Titian in 1511. I saw this incredible painting a few years ago when I visited the National Gallery in London.
Mary Magdalen went to Jesus's tomb early on the first day of the week. Under her left hand, you can see the jar of spices she intended to use to annoint his body since his burial had been rushed. Titian has captured the moment when Mary Magdalen recognizes Jesus in the garden and He is alive. The subject matter is precious to all Christians, and the painting itself has a wonderful story.
During WWII when all the fabulous art in the National Gallery was taken to the countryside to protect it from the Blitz, the people of London begged for one painting to remain. They asked for this painting, this depiction of the risen Christ. In a world where any hint of normal life was under seige and no one knew what the next bombing raid would bring, Londoners stood in line for hours to file past this painting.
The human heart needs hope more than anything.
And isn't that the message of Easter?
9 comments:
Happy Easter, Emily. I remember being told about this. A wonderful symbol of hope, it is a beautiful painting, such luxurious colours.
Happy Easter! What a wonderful, miraculous day this is. I can see why Londoners needed this picture to remain.
A very Happy Easter to you! BIG HUGS
Glynis--It's such a watershed painting in so many ways. I love the way the lines in the landscape are echoes or continuations of the figure of Christ and Mary.
Anna--It certainly moved me when I saw it.
JennJ--Happy Easter to you too!
Hope you had a wonderful Easter.
Lovely painting and WWII story.
Have a good week.
What a heartwarming story. I hope you had a lovely Easter. We had a wonderful time with the kids, and the weather, besides a bit of wind, cooperated beautifully.
Pat & Gillian--Hope your Easter was happy too!
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