Susanna and the Elders 1838 - 1909

This sketch by Walter Shirlaw depicts the Old Testament story of Susanna and the Elders. Susanna, caught bathing, is leered at by two old men. The voyeuristic gaze, a recurring motif throughout art history, speaks volumes about the power dynamics at play. Consider how this gaze appears in other contexts. In Renaissance paintings, we might see a similar male gaze directed at Venus, a symbol of beauty and desire. Yet, the subtle difference lies in the intent: adoration versus exploitation. Here, the elders embody a primal urge, a subconscious drive to dominate and possess. This primal energy engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, stirring complex emotions of unease and violation. The motif resurfaces, evolved, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.