Who painted Susannah and the Elders?

Susannah and the Elders was painted by Jean-Pierre Norblin in 1776.

Where can I see Susannah and the Elders?

Susannah and the Elders is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Susannah and the Elders?

Susannah and the Elders is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Susannah and the Elders

Jean-Pierre Norblin , 1776

Susannah and the Elders is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Pierre Norblin. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Susannah and the Elders is a print created by Jean-Pierre Norblin in 1776, utilizing a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint techniques on laid paper. The work depicts a scene from a biblical narrative.

Subject & Meaning

The print illustrates the biblical story of Susannah, who is seated naked on a bench in a garden setting, while two fully clothed elders approach her with lustful intentions, despite her resistance to their advances.

Technique & Style

Norblin employed a range of printmaking techniques - etching for lines, aquatint for tonal variations, and drypoint for expressive details - to achieve a romantic aesthetic characterized by softness and delicacy.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., though specific details of its provenance prior to acquisition are not provided here.

Context

This work reflects 18th-century artistic interpretations of biblical themes, blending religious subject matter with the sensual and emotional qualities of the Romantic style.

Legacy

While specific influences or notable receptions of 'Susannah and the Elders' are not detailed here, it contributes to the broader legacy of biblical art and the evolution of printmaking techniques in European art.