Susanna 1583

Hendrick Goltzius made this engraving, Susanna, in the Netherlands. Though undated, it was likely created sometime between 1594 and 1617. The print depicts a biblical story of Susanna being spied on by elders. Goltzius highlights Susanna’s vulnerability and the elders' lecherous gaze. The formal qualities of the engraving – Susanna’s idealized beauty and the dramatic lighting, for instance – create a sense of tension and drama. Prints like this circulated widely and served a social function. They offered moral lessons but also reflected the social dynamics of the time. Religious narratives could be reinterpreted to reflect contemporary concerns about power, gender, and morality. In this case, the story raises questions about the abuse of power and the vulnerability of individuals within social hierarchies. To fully appreciate this engraving, scholars consult historical texts, religious commentaries, and social histories. These resources help us understand the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in the early modern period.