Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene as a Gardener (Noli me tangere) c. 1640

Ferdinand Bol made this pen and brown ink drawing of Christ appearing to Mary Magdalene sometime in the 17th century. It depicts the moment when the resurrected Christ reveals himself to Mary Magdalene, who initially mistakes him for a gardener. Consider the role of religious institutions in 17th-century Netherlands. Bol, as a student of Rembrandt, was working in a culture deeply shaped by Protestantism. The story of Mary Magdalene, often seen as a repentant sinner, resonated with Protestant values emphasizing personal faith and redemption. The setting, a garden, further alludes to themes of renewal and spiritual awakening. But It also critiques the Catholic church by glorifying one of its once most misaligned figures. By studying Bol's artistic choices, comparing his work to that of his contemporaries, and researching the religious and social context of the time, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork's historical meaning and its role within the culture of the Dutch Golden Age.