Alabaster plaque by Nicolaas Daems, "Noli me tangere", early 17th century

Very nice alabaster plaque carved with gold highlights, bearing the monogram of Nicolaas Daems (active between 1611 - 1632). 
It represents the scene of the appearance of Christ as a gardener to Mary Magdalene during which the resurrected Christ appears to the young woman asking her not to touch him "Noli me tangere" because he must go to the Father.
In the foreground we find Christ as a "gardener" wearing a large hat and holding a spade in his left hand. 
Kneeling in front of him, Mary Magdalene is shown with her attribute, a vase of ointment, at her feet. Her beautiful wavy hair falls freely over her shoulders.
In the background are several figures including Mary Magdalene kneeling before the tomb of Christ.
This scene refers to the biblical episode where Mary Magdalene weeps upon discovering the empty tomb of the risen Jesus just before she turns around and recognizes the silhouette of Christ as a gardener.

On the console of this charming alabaster plaque one can distinguish the monogram "N H D" belonging to the sculptor Nicolaas Daems active in the region of Mechelen between 1611 and 1632.

Dimensions with the frame : H.22 cm x L.18 cm
Dimensions of the alabaster : H.12,5 cm x W.9,5 cm

Mechelen
Early 17th century
Later frame