Susanna and the Two Elders 1503 - 1513

Lucas van Leyden created this engraving titled, Susanna and the Two Elders, in the early 16th century. It captures a voyeuristic scene from the Book of Daniel, with two elders spying on Susanna. The voyeur, a recurring figure in art, embodies a hidden desire or forbidden knowledge. Note the symbol of the tree, a silent witness in this drama. Throughout art history, the tree has served as a powerful motif – from the Tree of Knowledge in Eden to the trees in landscapes by Caspar David Friedrich, each laden with meaning. Here, the elders lurk behind the tree, a visual cue emphasizing concealment and deceit. The act of watching, of observing without being seen, speaks to deep-seated psychological impulses. Consider how these motifs appear in later works, like in film noir, where shadows and hidden observers create suspense and unease. This cyclical reappearance highlights the enduring nature of these symbols and their ability to evoke strong emotional responses across different cultural contexts.