Susanna, partly naked and stepping out of a fountain with two elders at left, one of them pulling at her garment, after Reni 1651 - 1660

Theodorus van Kessel's etching "Susanna, partly naked and stepping out of a fountain with two elders at left, one of them pulling at her garment, after Reni" from 1651-1660 depicts a scene from the biblical story of Susanna. The etching, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures the moment of Susanna's distress as she is accosted by two elders while bathing. Van Kessel's rendition follows Guido Reni's earlier painting, showcasing a masterful use of chiaroscuro to create drama and highlight Susanna's vulnerability. This detailed and evocative scene offers a glimpse into the complexities of biblical narratives through the lens of 17th-century artistic practice.