Susanna Surprised by the Elders, from The Story of Susanna 1555 - 1580

Heinrich Aldegrever made this engraving of “Susanna Surprised by the Elders” in 1555. It tells a story from the Book of Daniel about a woman caught in a power struggle between male elders and herself. The image creates meaning through its dense urban setting, its biblical subject matter, and its nude female figure. Made in Germany during the Reformation, it reflects complex social and religious tensions. The tale of Susanna was often invoked to expose corruption among legal authorities. We see Susanna bathing, unaware of the two elders spying on her from behind the fountain. Aldegrever is known for his association with the Anabaptist movement which was persecuted during the Reformation. The tale of Susanna could have been seen as a commentary on the persecution. To better understand this engraving, we can research the history of the Reformation, the Anabaptist movement, and the visual culture of 16th-century Germany. It's through this lens that we can appreciate how art engages with and reflects the social and institutional contexts of its time.