Minerva Teichert (1888-1976), 'Touch Me Not,' 1937, Oil on Canvas, Brigham Young University Museum of Art.
Originally exhibited in the Logan Utah Temple, this scene depicts Christ as he appeared to Mary by the tomb. Mary’s outstretched arms are unable to reach Christ, both because of his command “Touch me not” and, perhaps, to indicate the gulf between the human and the divine. Yet, although Mary is unable to touch Christ, she is still colored by his golden light— offsetting her from the background as a woman defined by grace.
Minerva Teichert was the first LDS female painter to earn national recognition for her depictions of the religious and cultural landscape of the “Mormon” American West. Her mentor Robert Henri referred to painting “that great Mormon story” as her birthright.
Written by Guest author and Curatorial fellow: Ellie Hinds