Pier Francesco Cittadini - The Garden, Noli Me Tangere

The Garden - Noli me tangere, Pier Francesco Cittadini (attr.)

In the stillness of a garden in bloom, Noli me tangere captures a powerful moment of recognition, quiet and full of possibility. This exquisite composition depicts the poignant encounter between Christ and Mary Magdalene, set amid a lush garland of vibrant flowers. The garden setting is not only a beautiful backdrop but also a symbol of renewal and hope, reminding us of the beauty that will emerge even in times of uncertainty. The delicate detail of the floral garland, including the rare and now extinct Anemone Coccinea Coronaria, offers a beautiful echo of the flora of a bygone era, adding a rich botanical layer to this timeless scene.

About the Artist
Pier Francesco Cittadini (1616 to 1681) was a celebrated Baroque painter from Bologna whose work bridges the richness of Venetian color with emotional depth and dynamic realism. Trained in the artistic centers of Venice and Rome, Cittadini’s style is marked by dramatic lighting and a theatrical sense of composition, drawing inspiration from masters like Titian and Tintoretto. His paintings are held in high esteem internationally, featured in prestigious collections such as The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, The Louvre in Paris, The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, and The National Gallery of Canada.

Provenance
Distinguished private collection in France.

Dimensions
The oil on canvas, measures approximately 81 by 103 cm, with the frame ca. 111 by 130 cm.

What Makes This Piece Unique
The painting’s Louis XIV frame is a work of art in its own right, delicately sculpted with floral decorations that echo the lush garland within the composition, creating a harmonious connection between the frame and the scene it encloses. Additionally, the inclusion of the rare Anemone Coccinea Coronaria, a flower once cultivated in the 17th century and now extinct, adds an exceptional botanical significance. This combination of emotional depth, artistic mastery, and botanical rarity makes The Garden Noli me tangere a truly unique and timeless treasure.