Suzanna en de ouderlingen 1645 - 1699

Willem de Ryck's print captures the biblical tale of Susanna, a virtuous woman, and the lecherous elders. Here, Susanna is cornered; the old men intrude upon her privacy. Notice the contrast between Susanna's delicate features and the coarse hands that reach for her. This gesture, charged with sinister intent, reminds us of similar predatory clutches across art history. From ancient depictions of satyrs pursuing nymphs to more contemporary images of harassment, this motif embodies the abuse of power and the violation of innocence. The averted gaze and the raised hand in a futile attempt to resist, resonate with the collective memory of trauma, evoking a deep, subconscious recognition of vulnerability and the struggle against oppression. It is an image deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness. Such symbols are not static. They shift, evolve, and resurface, reflecting the timeless struggle between power and vulnerability, offering new interpretations in each retelling.