Noli me tangere 1649 - 1652

This is Willem Drost's pen and brown ink drawing, Noli me tangere. Immediately, we are struck by the stark composition. The artist has created a scene with an asymmetrical balance: to the left, a dense grouping of lines defining the entrance to a tomb and a figure, balanced on the right by a lighter, more open space featuring another figure. The line work here is crucial. Drost’s quick, almost frantic strokes, particularly around the tomb’s entrance, create a sense of depth and shadow. The lines are not just descriptive; they evoke a feeling of intense emotion. This technique emphasizes the contrast between the solid, earthly realm of the tomb and the ethereal presence of the figure of Christ. The phrase "Noli me tangere," or "Touch me not," is visually represented by the space between the figures. Drost destabilizes traditional representations by using line and space to suggest a boundary, not just physical but spiritual. It asks us to reconsider the limits of perception and belief.