Noli Me Tangere 

Maurice Denis created this painting, ‘Noli Me Tangere,’ using oil on canvas, an established medium for artistic expression. But look closely at the application of paint. The distinct blocks of color are reminiscent of stained glass, an association Denis deliberately cultivated. He was part of the Nabis, a group of artists interested in collapsing the distinction between fine art and other forms of making. They embraced a range of media, from theatrical design to illustration, and were influenced by Japanese prints, with their bold outlines and flat planes. The painting's surface, far from disappearing into illusionism, asserts itself. Each brushstroke is apparent, contributing to a mosaic-like effect. This deliberate emphasis on materiality and technique echoes the spiritual subject, inviting contemplation on the nature of belief and artistic creation. It reminds us that art is not just about representation, but also about the act of making itself.