Suzanna 1974

Rudolf Bér painted ‘Suzanna’ in the 20th century, although the exact year remains unconfirmed. The painting depicts the biblical story of Suzanna, a woman desired by two elders. This subject matter has roots in traditional art, but Bér's interpretation provides a modern perspective. It reflects on the power dynamics and social expectations placed on women. The artist grew up in Hungary in a Jewish family. During the Second World War, he was deported to Auschwitz and other concentration camps. After the war he worked in a collective artists’ colony. In 1956, he fled the country during the Hungarian Revolution. The topic of Suzanna touches on the powerlessness of victims and the abuses of power by figures of authority, perhaps echoing the artist's experiences during the war. To fully appreciate ‘Suzanna’, one must delve into the historical and social context of its creation, exploring the artist's life experiences and the cultural norms of the time. These contexts enrich our understanding of the artwork.