Susanna c. 1580s

Domenico Tintoretto made this painting, Susanna, using oil on canvas. Here, the material underpins the very scene depicted: Susanna is spied upon during her bath, emphasizing the importance of the material world as a site of both pleasure and peril. The way the paint has been applied is crucial, too. Notice the contrast between the velvety folds of the red fabric and the translucent veil draped around Susanna; it creates a sense of depth and texture that draws us into the scene. Tintoretto masterfully captured the play of light on the water and the softness of flesh. But beyond the illusionism, the paint itself matters. Oil paint, with its capacity for blending and layering, allowed Tintoretto to create a sensual and immersive experience for the viewer. Ultimately, it is through these painterly gestures that the narrative unfolds, reminding us that even the most dramatic stories are filtered through the artist's chosen medium. This piece invites us to think about the relationship between the artist's hand and the final image.