Susannah and the Elders
1650
oil
From the collection of J. Paul Getty Museum
1650
oil
From the collection of J. Paul Getty Museum
This painting shows a woman, Susannah, sitting naked on a stone bench. Two men, the Elders, are leaning over the wall behind her, pointing and looking at her. Susannah has her right arm raised, and her left hand is on her thigh. She's covered with a white cloth. The men are wearing robes, and one has a long white beard. The background is dark, with some greenery and a blue sky. The scene is dramatic, with the men looking at Susannah with a mix of surprise and desire. Susannah seems calm, but also aware of the men's gaze. The painting's use of light and shadow creates a sense of tension and drama. The painting's use of chiaroscuro creates a strong contrast between light and dark, drawing the viewer's attention to Susannah and the Elders.
