Rubens, Peter Paul – Noli me tangere’, de ontmoeting van Christus en Maria Magdalena, 1610-1690 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a scene unfolding in what appears to be a secluded garden setting. A male figure, identifiable by his long hair and beard, stands prominently on the right side of the frame. He is partially draped in a vibrant red cloth that falls from one shoulder, revealing his torso and a wound visible on his side. His posture conveys a gesture of restraint; he extends a hand towards a seated female figure positioned to his left.
The woman, clad in muted earth tones, gazes intently at the man, her hand outstretched in a mirroring motion. Her expression is complex – a mixture of reverence and perhaps longing or even yearning. A small silver vessel rests on the ground near her feet, suggesting an offering or a recent activity.
Behind them, dense foliage dominates the foreground, obscuring much of the landscape beyond. Hints of a distant vista are visible through gaps in the greenery: rolling hills and what seems to be a townscape bathed in soft light. The background is rendered with atmospheric perspective, creating depth and emphasizing the figures’ isolation within this enclosed space.
The artists use of light contributes significantly to the scenes emotional weight. A diffused glow illuminates the male figure, highlighting his physicality and the wound on his side. This contrasts with the slightly shadowed areas around the woman, which subtly emphasize her vulnerability. The color palette is rich and earthy, punctuated by the striking red of the man’s cloth, drawing immediate attention to him.
Subtleties within the scene suggest a narrative beyond the immediately visible. The gesture of restraint from the male figure implies a boundary being established or acknowledged. The womans posture and gaze convey a sense of recognition and perhaps an attempt at connection that is gently denied. The presence of the vessel hints at a ritualistic element, while the garden setting evokes themes of paradise lost and redemption. The wound on the man’s side serves as a potent symbol, alluding to sacrifice and suffering. Overall, the painting explores complex themes of divine encounter, restraint, longing, and spiritual distance within a carefully constructed visual narrative.