Susanna and the Elders
- Artist
- Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
- Date
- 1722 - 1723
- Style
- Rococo
- Genre
- Mythological painting
- Location
- Wadsworth Atheneum
"Susanna and the Elders" is a renowned mythological painting that depicts the biblical story of Susanna, a virtuous woman falsely accused of wrongdoing by two elders. The artist masterfully captures Susanna’s innocence and the sinister nature of the elders’ intent through dramatic figures and expressions. Created with oil paints on canvas, this work exemplifies the delicate, ornate Rococo style, characterized by its intricate details and flowing forms. Its composition emphasizes storytelling, embodying moral virtue amidst spiritual trial, a theme resonant with the veneration of saints acknowledged by the Catholic Church.