Artwork

Susanna

Susanna, by Unknown, 1915
Susanna, by Unknown, 1915

Susanna is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1915 by the artist known as 1830_person, the work titled “Susanna” is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. The image presents a solitary female figure seated on a chair, turned away from the viewer, rendered in a muted palette that balances dark and light areas.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is identified as Susanna, a biblical character traditionally associated with themes of modesty and scrutiny. Here she is shown nude, her head inclined leftward, right arm resting on her leg, a composition that emphasizes personal exposure and a quiet, introspective mood.

Technique & Style

The painting relies on chiaroscuro, employing stark contrasts between illuminated and shadowed zones to model the body’s volume. Visible brushstrokes in the background contribute to a textured atmosphere, while the interplay of light and darkness heightens the sense of intimacy and vulnerability conveyed by the pose.

History & Provenance

Circa 1915, 1830_person completed the work, after which it entered the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. The museum’s acquisition records indicate the piece has remained in its collection, providing public access to the artist’s exploration of light and form.

Context

The early twentieth‑century period saw renewed interest in classical subjects rendered through modernist techniques. “Susanna” reflects this trend, merging a traditional narrative with contemporary concerns about the body, perception, and the psychological impact of light and shadow.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known