Susannah Crouching c. 1640 - 1645

Jacob Jordaens created this drawing, "Susannah Crouching," during the Baroque era, a time of intense religious and political upheaval in Europe. The image depicts two nude women in similar poses, derived from the biblical story of Susannah and the Elders, where Susannah is spied upon while bathing. Jordaens challenges typical artistic depictions, presenting Susannah with a realism that acknowledges the female form beyond idealization. Her pose and expression can be read as a reclamation of her own body amidst a narrative of voyeurism and male dominance. Jordaens renders Susannah with a certain power, redirecting the male gaze and challenging traditional narratives of female vulnerability. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to consider the complex interplay between vulnerability and resistance, highlighting the nuanced ways in which individuals navigate power dynamics within broader social and cultural contexts.