Description
Jesus and Mary Magdalene Noli Me Tangere Icon
John's Gospel places Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. Grieving outside, she sees Jesus but first mistakes him for the gardener. Recognition comes when he calls her by name: Mary. She answers, Rabbouni, meaning Teacher. Christ then tells her not to hold on to him and sends her to announce the Resurrection to the disciples. The scene became known in Christian art as Noli Me Tangere, from the Latin wording traditionally rendered Do not hold on to me.
The risen Christ, Mary, and the empty tomb
The icon shows Christ in radiant white garments beside the opened tomb, extending one hand toward Mary. She is seated or kneeling on the ground, looking up with one hand at her breast. A small vessel among the flowers recalls the ointments associated with visits to the tomb in Christian tradition. The rolled stone and dark entrance identify the place of burial, while the flowering garden places the encounter within the setting described by John. The image holds grief, recognition, mission, and Easter hope in one composition.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Art Christiana makes this icon in Poland on a carefully prepared linden wood board. The surface receives two primer coats, hand-applied metal leaf and a directly transferred image. A certificate and hanging fixture are fitted on the reverse, and the icon arrives in a protective presentation box.
The image suits a home prayer corner, chapel, retreat house, parish room, or Easter display. It is meaningful for prayer about bereavement, recognizing Christ, hearing one's name with dignity, and carrying the Gospel to others. It can also serve as a patronal gift for someone named Mary or Magdalene.