Artwork
Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Franz de Paula Ferg. It dates from 1714 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Franz de Paula Ferg's *Susanna and the Elders* (1714) is a Rococo painting depicting a pivotal moment from the biblical tale of Susanna. The work features three central figures within a subtle landscape background.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the story of Susanna, a virtuous woman, as she is observed by two elders, conveying a sense of tension, distress, and potential threat. The composition emphasizes Susanna's emotional state and the elders' intent gaze.
Technique & Style
Characterized by Rococo sensibilities, the painting focuses on expressive facial gestures and body language. The use of dark robes and turbans for the elders contrasts with Susanna's central, more illuminated figure, enhancing the emotional dynamic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1714 by Austrian artist Franz de Paula Ferg, known for his daily life scenes, *Susanna and the Elders* is now part of the Alte Pinakothek collection.
Context
While typically associated with scenes of daily life, Ferg's engagement with a biblical narrative in *Susanna and the Elders* reflects the Rococo's broader influence on religious and mythological subjects during the early 18th century.
Legacy
As a relatively lesser-documented work within the Rococo movement, *Susanna and the Elders* contributes to the understanding of how biblical themes were interpreted through Rococo aesthetics, though its direct impact on the art historical canon is more nuanced.
Artist & collection
Artist
Franz de Paula Ferg (2 May 1689 – 1740), also known as Francis Paul Ferg, was an Austrian painter, draughtsman, and printmaker. He painted primarily scenes of daily life, such as people interacting in markets and villages.
