Artwork
Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders is an oil painting. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
She is surrounded by two elderly men, representing the accusers from the Book of Daniel, whose presence creates the narrative tension of the work.
The painting depicts the biblical narrative of Susanna and the Elders, a religious subject illustrating a moment of moral crisis. The composition centers on the figure of Susanna, portrayed in a state of nudity, which serves as the primary visual focus of the scene. She is surrounded by two elderly men, representing the accusers from the Book of Daniel, whose presence creates the narrative tension of the work.
Additional iconographic elements include drapery and a dog, which are present within the scene alongside the main figures. As a work of religious art, the piece represents the themes of virtue, vulnerability, and the threat of false accusation inherent in the story. The depiction captures the specific moment of intrusion, utilizing the contrast between the exposed female subject and the watching elders to convey the story's dramatic conflict.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel, measuring approximately 46.4 × 64.5 cm. The support is a panel, typical of early-17th-century Dutch and Flemish easel paintings. The painting's technique reflects the workshop practice of the circle of Peter Paul Rubens, employing layered glazes to achieve subtle chiaroscuro. Formal elements include a dog, a man, a partially nude figure, and rich drapery, all arranged around the central narrative of Susanna and the Elders.
History & Provenance
Created in 1618, this oil painting on panel is attributed to the Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens. The work depicts the biblical narrative of Susanna and the Elders. The piece is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The panel measures 46.4 centimeters in height and 64.5 centimeters in width. While specific details regarding the original commission or intermediate ownership history are not provided in the available records, the work's classification as religious art and its association with Rubens' workshop in the early seventeenth century are established.
Overview
This oil painting, titled Susanna and the Elders, portrays a solitary woman in a shadowed room. She is partially undressed, wrapped in fur, while two older men stand nearby, observing her. One figure makes a broad gesture, and the other leans in, creating a palpable tension.
A small dog rests on the floor, and a table holds a glass and a book, completing the dramatic scene.
Artist & collection
