35 - 17th-Century Flemish School

17th-Century Flemish School Susanna and the Elders Oil on parquet panel H_57 x W_89.5 cm Our painting depicts a theme particularly favored by Flemish artists of the 16th and 17th centuries. Taken from the Book of Daniel, this biblical episode tells the story of the chaste Susanna, who was caught bathing by two elderly men who attempted to take advantage of her. When she refuses, they falsely accuse her of adultery, before the lie is exposed by the prophet Daniel and Suzanne’s honor is restored. This subject enjoyed considerable popularity in Flemish painting, particularly because it combined the depiction of the female nude with a biblical narrative of moral significance. Painted on a large wooden panel, our work likely originally belonged to a larger decorative ensemble.