Suzanna en de twee ouderlingen 1540 - 1550

This pen drawing of Suzanna and the Elders was made by Jan Swart van Groningen around 1535-1545. During the Northern Renaissance, artists grappled with how to depict biblical narratives in a way that resonated with their own cultural context. Here, Susanna is surprised while bathing. The two elders, lustful and opportunistic, watch her, and would later threaten to falsely accuse her of adultery when she refuses their advances. The male gaze is quite literally embodied in the leering expressions of the elders, capturing a pivotal moment of vulnerability and coercion. The setting is equally important; notice the contrast between the detailed architecture in the background versus Susanna’s natural setting. Her nudity is juxtaposed against the elders’ clothed, upright stance, creating a stark visual dichotomy. Ultimately, Swart's depiction invites us to reflect on themes of power, the objectification of women, and the tension between public and private spheres.