“Susanna and the Elders,” created around 1555 by Tintoretto, is an oil painting on canvas that measures 147 by 194 centimeters. This notable work of the Mannerism or Late Renaissance art movement is categorized as a religious painting and is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork portrays the biblical story of Susanna, a virtuous woman, who is being observed by two elders. The scene is set in a lush and verdant garden, with Susanna depicted in the foreground, unclothed and washing herself, unaware of the intrusive and lecherous gaze of the elders hiding behind the foliage. Tintoretto’s use of light and shadow highlights the tension and drama of the scene, with Susanna’s luminous skin contrasting against the darker, vibrant surroundings. The intricate details, such as the reflections in a strategically placed mirror and the careful depiction of the background figures, underscore the artist’s masterful technique and his ability to convey the narrative’s emotional intensity.