Susanna and the Elders 1622 - 1660

"Susanna and the Elders" is a pen and wash drawing by the German artist Augustin Medow, created between 1622 and 1660. This intimate drawing, which depicts the biblical story of Susanna's unjust accusation, is a powerful example of the artist's skill in rendering the human form and capturing dramatic emotion. The composition focuses on the emotional tension between the three figures: Susanna's vulnerability, the elders' lascivious intentions, and the implied threat of violence. The drawing's small scale and its intimate focus on the figures' expressions contribute to its emotional impact, making it a compelling depiction of this well-known story. The work is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.