Trial of Susanna 16th-17th century

Editor: This print, "Trial of Susanna," by Nicolaes de Bruyn, is so striking! The characters feel crammed together, and something about that hanging crocodile makes me uneasy. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Unease is spot on. Beyond the biblical tale, consider the societal anxieties of the time. That crocodile, a symbol of deception and hidden danger, hangs over the scene like a Damoclean sword, a playful yet ominous presence. Where does that lead you? Editor: That makes sense! I hadn't thought of the crocodile as a symbol of deception. I was mostly just confused about why it was there. Curator: Well, perhaps it's a reminder that things aren't always as they seem, and that judging someone requires more than just a fleeting glance. We can all use that reminder, can't we?