Маньяско Алессандро (прозв Лиссандрино) (Генуя 1667-1749) – Не касайся меня (145х109 см) 1705-10 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a scene unfolding within a decaying architectural framework. Here we observe two figures engaged in a dramatic interaction amidst the remnants of what appears to be a Roman ruin. The setting is dominated by crumbling arches and columns, overgrown with vegetation, suggesting both grandeur lost and the relentless passage of time. A hazy landscape stretches into the distance through these openings, further emphasizing the sense of depth and vastness.
One figure, positioned on the left side of the canvas, kneels in a gesture of supplication or despair. The individual is draped in flowing yellow robes, their posture conveying vulnerability and intense emotion. Their face is turned downwards, obscuring expression but reinforcing the impression of anguish.
Standing opposite this kneeling figure is another person, seemingly recoiling from contact. This individual’s body is partially exposed, revealing a muscular physique rendered with considerable anatomical detail. The pose suggests rejection or aversion; an attempt to distance oneself from the approaching figure. A white cloth clings to their form, adding a layer of visual complexity and potentially symbolizing purity or protection.
A smaller winged figure appears in the upper left corner, seemingly observing the scene. Its presence introduces a sense of divine witness or intervention, hinting at a narrative beyond the immediate interaction between the two primary figures. The placement of this figure is strategic; it draws the viewers eye upward and adds to the overall feeling of solemnity.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and yellows – which contribute to the atmosphere of decay and antiquity. Light plays a crucial role in shaping the scene, highlighting certain areas while leaving others shrouded in shadow. This contrast enhances the dramatic tension and directs attention to key elements within the composition.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of human connection, rejection, and perhaps divine judgment. The ruined architecture serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of earthly power and the enduring nature of spiritual concerns. The interaction between the figures suggests a complex relationship fraught with emotional turmoil, while the winged figure implies a higher authority overseeing their actions. Overall, the work evokes a sense of melancholy and contemplation on the transient nature of human existence.