Susanna and the Elders, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Description

Oil on canvas. The depicted subject tells a biblical episode from the Old Testament: Susanna, the beautiful and chaste wife … more Oil on canvas. The depicted subject tells a biblical episode from the Old Testament: Susanna, the beautiful and chaste wife of Joachim, a rich Jew, is threatened by two elderly judges of the people while she takes a bath in her garden. This episode has been widely reproduced in art, as an occasion for the exaltation of female beauty and the condemnation of sinful voluptuousness. In the scene, the female figure of Susanna, scantily clad, sits in the foreground on the left, on the balustrade of a gushing fountain in the garden, intent to immerse herself, but indicating with her hand the two old men on the right, who, hidden behind a bush, are spying on her. Unusual in the scene is the figure of the other woman, probably a handmaid of Susanna, also scantily clad, probably introduced for further exaltation of female nudity. The garden of the villa appears in the background, characterized by symmetrical and regular flower beds. Also peculiar is the presence, in the distance behind Susanna's head, of three stylized figurines, which seem to run towards her, perhaps to warn her of the danger The work, on the first canvas, has a slight crack at the top left, and punctiform paint stains. It is presented in an early 20th century frame. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution less