Susanna and the Elders
Lombard School of the 17th century
Circle of Carlo Francesco Nuvolone
(Milan, 1609 - 1662)
Oil on canvas
Canvas cm. 75 x 98 frame cm. 85 x 108
Excellent condition
The painting depicts the scene of the famous biblical episode narrated in chapter 13 of the Book of Daniel, which describes the attempt by two old judges to ensnare the virtue of the chaste Susanna, while she is bathing naked in the fountain of her garden.
The demands and blackmail of the two odious elders, well depicted here in their wickedness, are rejected by the young woman, who will thus be punished by the two with the accusation of adultery and executed. Only the intervention of the Prophet Daniel will save Susanna by publicly unmasking the perfidious plots of the two unsuspected criminals.
The story was widely represented by the masters of ancient painting not only for its edifying and happy ending, but because it lent itself to the depiction of sensual images with more or less evident erotic undertones, with the ostentation of female nudity often in provocative and strongly licentious poses, in total contrast to the morality of that era.
Furthermore, the works could be displayed in palaces, even ecclesiastical ones, under the pretext of religious connotation, to cover up a desire for pornographic viewing.
Indeed, the canvas reflects the aesthetic canons required by noble and religious commissions to libertinely furnish their palaces.
Its artistic placement is easily recognizable in the 17th-century Lombard period with references to the painting of the Milanese Master Carlo Francesco Nuvolone, presenting his typical subdued colors with effective light and shadow effects.
The nude figure of the protagonist is bathed in light and attracts the viewer's gaze. Half-hidden in the shadows, the figures of the two lascivious old men can be seen surprising her in the garden, one offering a jewel in exchange for her favors and the other inviting her to silence with his finger on his mouth.
The painting is in excellent condition complete with a black lacquered wooden frame with a gilded inner profile.
We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the period, provenance, and all characteristics of the work, drawn up by an antiquarian affiliated with FIMA (FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA MERCANTI D'ARTE).
Delivery in Italy and all over Europe within 3 days of receipt of bank transfer.
The shipment is tracked and insured and travels with careful shockproof packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate.
Negotiable price and personalized payment.
All photographic details click on link:
https://www.antichitaischia.it/it/prodotto/-susanna-e-i-vecchioni--scuola-lombarda-del--600
