Urbino, attributed to the Conversion of Saul painter, Noli me Tangere, Circa 1560-70. Tin-glazed earthenware. Diameter: 42,5 cm. Raccanello Leprince. © 2019 London Art Week.

Provenance:
 Otto Beit, London

Daniel Katz, London.

The scene depicted on this dish illustrates the episode in the Gospel according to John (chapter 20, verses 15-18) describing the encounter of the Risen Christ with Mary Magdalene outside his tomb. Dressed as a shepherd, wearing a hat and holding a stick, Christ raises his hand when Magdalene recognizes him, saying, "Noli Me Tangere, nondum enim ad Ascendi Patrem meum" ("Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to the Father "). The attitude of Mary Magdalene, kneeling hands folded in prayer before Christ, shows her in the act of recognition. In the background unfold two scenes relevant to the main one: on the left, three characters converse at the entrance of the tomb of Christ; on the right, shepherds and their flocks.  

Bibliography: Bernard Rackham, Catalogue of the Collection of Pottery and Porcelain in the possession of Mr Otto Beit, 1916, p. 115, n. 806.

Raccanello Leprince. at Shapero Rare Books, 32 Saint George Street, London, W1S 2EA - Justin@Bazaart.co.uk - +44 (0) 7710 461627