Painting Depicting The Biblical Iconography Of 'susanna And The Old Men

Age: 1800
Material: Oil on canvas
Provenance: Italy
Dimensions: 160x125 cm with frame, 142x112 cm canvas only. 
Description: That of the young Susanna with the two old men is a theme that has been widely addressed throughout the history of art. In the canvas presented here we witness the topical moment of the biblical episode, the one in which the two old men, who have just been appointed judges, are caught in a moment of unscrupulous lust, as they attempt to approach the daughter of one of their friends in an attempt to bathe.
The two men are portrayed very close to the young girl, one of them encircling her robe and intimidating her to keep quiet so as not to be discovered; from their faces one can still glimpse a hope of success in their intentions while she looks at them with an incredulous and astonished gaze, almost powerless before the brutal intentions of the two.
The composition thrives on the monumental presence of the three characters portrayed in the foreground against a dark monochrome background, the latter tending to make the figures stand out. Susanna's nudity illuminates the canvas, her soft, velvety complexion contrasting with the rougher, more colourful skins of the two elderly men as if to emphasise the stark contrast between two different ages of life.
In this particular case, Susanna is being ogled by the two Old Men, whereas in other versions provided by other painters, she is simply spied on.
The story later ends with the woman refusing the proposals of the two men and for this reason they accuse her of adultery, but later the two are unmasked and Susanna avoids the death sentence.
Cod: 181
Additional Info: The artwork is available at our exhibition space in Badia Polesine (RO) and it’s delibered with a certificate of authenticity. We take care of and organize the transportation of the artwork, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
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