Artwork
Suzanna and the Elders
Suzanna and the Elders is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Willem van Mieris. It dates from 1714 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
About this work
Overview
Suzanna and the Elders is a 1714 oil painting by Willem van Mieris, held at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a biblical scene: Susanna surrounded by two elders. A woman in a red dress sits on the ground, looking up with one arm raised, while two older men in yellow and red robes reach toward her, creating a tense moment.
Technique & Style
The artist employed chiaroscuro, a lighting technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, to highlight the figures' faces and hands, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Context
The scene is set in a forest with trees, a statue, and a dark sky, establishing a sense of isolation and drama.
Artist & collection
Museum
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
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Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders
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Susanna and the Elders
Susanna and the Elders
Scene from La Fontaine's Fable 'The Mare of Peasant Pierre'
Susanna harassed by the Elders (Daniel 13:1-63)
La requête de Sémélé à Jupiter
Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
Lazarus and the rich man