Artwork

Susanna and the Elders in the Garden, and the Trial of Susanna before the Elders

Susanna and the Elders in the Garden, and the Trial of Susanna before the Elders, by Master of the Apollo and Daphne Legend, unspecified, 1500
Susanna and the Elders in the Garden, and the Trial of Susanna before the Elders, by Master of the Apollo and Daphne Legend, unspecified, 1500

Susanna and the Elders in the Garden, and the Trial of Susanna before the Elders is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Apollo and Daphne Legend. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

This 1500 painting by the Master of the Apollo and Daphne Legend, housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, presents two concurrent scenes from the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders in a single composition.

Subject & Meaning

The left panel depicts Susanna, naked, being accosted by two elderly men in a garden, while the right panel shows her subsequent trial before a seated group of elders, illustrating the narrative's themes of accusation, innocence, and judgment.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a vibrant color palette to achieve depth and atmospheric distinction between the intimate, ominous garden scene and the more formal, public setting of the trial.

History & Provenance

Created in 1500, the work's provenance details are not specified here, but it is currently part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Context

The painting reflects the Renaissance interest in biblical narratives and the artistic innovation of depicting multiple scenes simultaneously, a technique common in medieval and early Renaissance art.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic descendants are not detailed, the work contributes to the broader Renaissance tradition of visualizing religious stories in detailed, emotionally charged tableaux.

Artist & collection