Susanna 1588 - 1597

This is Jan Collaert II’s engraving, Susanna, made around the turn of the 17th century. The composition strikes you with its division between the foreground figure of Susanna and the detailed scene behind her. Collaert uses line and form to create a tension between Susanna’s vulnerability and the ominous setting. The contrast in textures, from the smooth skin to the fur trim of her robe, adds a tactile quality, while the architectural backdrop is meticulously rendered, almost claustrophobic. The perspective is cleverly manipulated, drawing our eye to Susanna's accusers and the unfolding drama. This creates a semiotic dialogue between innocence and accusation. The detailed rendering and the spatial relationships are not merely illustrative but serve to emphasize the thematic concerns of judgment and truth. Consider how this engraving, through its formal qualities, invites us to reflect on the interplay between surface and depth, and the challenges inherent in interpreting visual narratives.