Do not touch me Durer Engravings (1471-1528)

The engraving presents a scene steeped in dramatic tension and symbolic weight. Here we observe a figure, presumably male, standing prominently on the left side of the composition. He is depicted with long hair and a beard, his body partially exposed beneath draped fabric that clings to his form. In his right hand, he holds a staff or rod, which he uses to keep a kneeling figure at bay. The posture of this standing individual conveys both authority and a palpable sense of rejection; the gesture with the staff is forceful, creating distance between himself and the person before him.
The kneeling figure, positioned on the lower right, appears to be attempting an approach, hands outstretched towards the standing man. This figure’s clothing is simple and somewhat ragged, suggesting humility or perhaps even a state of vulnerability. The posture communicates supplication, but it is met with resistance. A vessel sits near the kneeling figure, its purpose unclear – possibly symbolic of offering or sustenance.
The background contributes significantly to the overall narrative. A dense thicket of thorny plants surrounds the central figures, creating an immediate sense of enclosure and difficulty. Beyond this barrier, a building with a group of people gathered around it is visible in the distance. This structure could represent a place of refuge, community, or perhaps even spiritual significance, yet its remoteness emphasizes the isolation of the two individuals in the foreground.
The use of light and shadow is striking. A bright source illuminates the standing figure from above, highlighting his form and emphasizing his dominance within the scene. The deep shadows cast across the composition contribute to a feeling of unease and heighten the dramatic impact of the interaction. The meticulous cross-hatching technique employed throughout the engraving creates texture and depth, enhancing the emotional intensity of the moment.
Subtexts within this work revolve around themes of rejection, boundaries, and the complexities of human connection. The act of keeping someone at a distance suggests a refusal of intimacy or perhaps a protection from harm. The presence of the distant building hints at an alternative path or community, while the thorny thicket symbolizes obstacles to be overcome. Ultimately, the engraving explores the delicate balance between desire and denial, closeness and separation.