Suzanna and the Elders 

Jacob Jordaens painted “Suzanna and the Elders” in the 17th century, likely using oil on canvas. The painting depicts a biblical story, where Suzanna is spied on by two elders while bathing. Made in the Flemish Baroque style, this work reflects the cultural and religious tensions of its time. Consider the influence of the Catholic Church in Flanders, which commissioned many artworks, and how the story of Suzanna might have been interpreted in that context. The tale emphasizes themes of female virtue and male lust, fitting into the moralizing narratives common in religious art. Jordaens' depiction, however, with its vivid realism and focus on the nude figure of Suzanna, also hints at the growing secularization of art. Researching the social and political history of 17th-century Flanders will allow you to fully appreciate the complex dynamics at play in this work.