37. Resurrection (Noli me tangere) Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337)

The fresco presents a scene unfolding within a landscape dominated by a deep blue-grey atmospheric perspective. A central figure, bathed in light and clad in white robes, stands on the right edge of the composition, extending his hand towards a woman draped in vibrant red fabric who kneels before him. This gesture appears both welcoming and cautionary; it suggests an offering while simultaneously implying a boundary.
To the left of this interaction, several figures are prostrate on the ground, their postures conveying astonishment or reverence. They appear to be emerging from what seems like a tomb or enclosure, indicated by the rocky outcropping behind them. Two additional figures, presumably angels, flank the central scene. One stands near the kneeling woman, gesturing towards the resurrected figure with an open hand. The other angel is positioned further back, holding a banner displaying a cross – a clear symbol of faith and sacrifice.
The artist’s use of color is significant. The stark white of the risen figure contrasts sharply with the red of the womans garment, drawing immediate attention to their interaction. The muted tones of the landscape create depth and emphasize the luminosity surrounding the central figures. The gold halos around the heads of all three prominent individuals denote their divine or elevated status.
The decorative border framing the scene contributes to its overall aesthetic. The intricate patterns and gilded details elevate the work beyond a simple narrative depiction, suggesting a sacred space and reinforcing the importance of the event being portrayed.
Subtly, the composition explores themes of resurrection, faith, and perhaps, the complexities of divine encounter. The kneeling woman’s expression is difficult to discern definitively; it could be interpreted as awe, fear, or a combination of both. Her proximity to the risen figure suggests intimacy, yet his gesture implies a necessary distance – a recognition that this encounter transcends ordinary human experience. The prostrate figures underscore the transformative power of the event, while the angels serve as intermediaries between the divine and the mortal realm.