Artwork
Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders is an ink print by Christian Rohlfs. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Susanna and the Elders is a 1916 woodcut on wove paper by Christian Rohlfs, a pivotal figure in German Expressionism. Executed in bold black lines on beige paper, the print features stark, flat forms and textured, handmade qualities inherent to the woodcut technique.
Subject & Meaning
The work illustrates a biblical narrative: Susanna, a virtuous woman, is surreptitiously observed by two elders while bathing. Compositionally, Susanna stands centrally, arms crossed and looking down, contrasted with the peering elders behind a barrier.
Technique & Style
Rohlfs utilized the woodcut technique, carving the design into wood before printing. Characteristic of this method, the piece exhibits thick, uneven black lines, flat shapes, and a textured paper surface, emphasizing a raw, expressive aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1916, the woodcut reflects Rohlfs's contribution to German Expressionism. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
As an Expressionist work, it likely aimed to convey emotional intensity and psychological depth through its stark, simplified forms, diverging from naturalistic representations of the biblical scene.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this piece are not provided, as a work by Rohlfs, it contributes to the broader legacy of German Expressionism in early 20th-century art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Christian Rohlfs (November 22, 1849 - January 8, 1938) was a German painter and printmaker, one of the important representatives of German expressionism.
