Oil on canvas, 98.5cm by 73cm.
‘Noli me tangere’, meaning ‘touch me not’ is the Latin version of the words spoken by Christ to Mary Magdalene when she recognised him after His Resurrection, according to St. John’s Gospel.
This is one of several paintings purchased by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700) directly from the artist.
The 1688 Burghley Inventory records: ‘My Ladys Clossett: ‘a Noli me tangere without a frame, by’, also, ‘My Lords Anty Roome: ‘2 peices over ye Doores, a Noli me tangere & our Saviour & Thomas ___ by.’
Trevisani studied in Venice with Antonio Zanchi (1631-1722), before moving to Rome, where he spent the rest of his life.
He was greatly influenced by the work of Carlo Maratta (1625-1713), and on the latter’s death Trevisani succeeded him as the most prolific and prosperous artist in Rome.
