Suzanna en de ouderlingen Possibly 1600 - 1667

Michel Lasne created this engraving, “Suzanna en de ouderlingen”, in the 17th century. It depicts a biblical story of Susanna, a woman who was spied on by two elders while bathing. Lasne’s work reflects the societal norms of its time, where female virtue was highly policed and male authority went unchecked. Susanna's vulnerability is palpable; her attempt to shield herself speaks volumes about the threat she perceives. The male figures loom with predatory intent, casting a shadow that embodies an abuse of power. The engraving uses the narrative to reinforce a moral lesson about female chastity, but it also inadvertently exposes the hypocrisies of a patriarchal society. The emotional weight of the scene resides in Susanna’s plight, challenging us to reflect on the long history of women’s bodies being a battleground for control and judgment.