Horlogekast met Susanna en de ouderlingen before 1676

This print, titled "Horlogekast met Susanna en de ouderlingen," is based on the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, made by an anonymous artist. This narrative, popular during the Renaissance, highlights themes of voyeurism, gendered power dynamics, and moral virtue. Susanna, a married woman, is spied upon by two elders, who then attempt to seduce her. When she refuses, they falsely accuse her of adultery. Here, we see Susanna caught between the leering gaze and grasping hands of the elders, her vulnerability palpable. The print invites us to consider the unequal power relations between men and women, and the ever-present threat of male violence and false accusation. In its time, the tale of Susanna served as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of female virtue. But today, we might also view it as a pointed critique of male authority and the ways in which women’s bodies are often politicized.