(17th century)

Depicting the narrative from the apocryphal book of Susanna unsigned, oil on canvas, 15 x 19-1/4 in.; gilt wood and composition frame, 19-7/8 x 23-3/4 x 2-1/2 in.

Provenance: Brunk Auctions, Nov 15, 2014, lot 386, sold for $2,057 (original receipt accompanies this lot); Private Collection; Virginia Private Collection

Note: Popular with Western artists, the story centers on Susanna, a virtuous woman who is unjustly accused by two older men after she rejects their advances. On the verge of execution, the prophet Daniel reveals the elders' deceit, ultimately saving Susanna and restoring justice. This enduring tale has inspired numerous artists throughout history, from Italian masters such as Tintoretto and Gentileschi to later figures like Picasso and Thomas Hart Benton. Classic elements are evident in the portrayal of Susanna's ethereal beauty, the elders' richly colored garments, the distant ruins, and the dark garden fountain, each detail contributing to the painting's lasting emotional and visual resonance.