Susanna and the Elders

More about Susanna and the Elders

An oil painting with a biblical theme: Susanna and the Elderly. The painting depicts Susanna in the water of her home's swimming pool, her hands covering her chest, standing waist-deep in water, her long, reddish-brown hair reaching her shoulders. From the edge of the pool, two elderly men watch Susanna, who turns away disapprovingly.

According to the biblical story, the lustful elders spy on the virtuous Susanna while she is bathing, and then attempt to blackmail her into submitting to their desires. Choosing death over sin, she refuses, but is subsequently sentenced to death based on their false accusations. However, the young prophet Daniel intervenes; by interrogating the elders separately, he exposes the contradictions in their stories, thereby proving Susanna's innocence, while the deceitful accusers face justice.