Susanna en de ouderlingen 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created this etching of Susanna and the Elders sometime in the 17th century. The composition, crammed into a small rectangle, creates a sense of unease. Three figures dominate the scene, Susanna in the centre, flanked by the leering elders. Schut’s use of hatching and cross-hatching builds up the tonal range, and the overall effect is a dramatic chiaroscuro. The story of Susanna is a popular subject in art, dealing with themes of voyeurism, power and female virtue. Looking at the formal structure, Susanna’s placement between the two men is not merely narrative but also symbolic. Susanna's form and expression reflect a deeper commentary on the gaze. Her vulnerability is not just a plot point but a visual metaphor. The print serves as a cultural artifact, embodying concerns about morality, gender, and observation. The tight composition and stark contrast amplify the narrative’s tension. It allows us to reflect on the very act of looking and the power dynamics inherent in it.