Susannah and the Elders

William Valentine Schevill

Created:

Movement:

unknown

None

key Notes:

Biblical narrative, voyeuristic tension.

Dimensions:

medium:

Oil on canvas

Difficulty:

Intermediate

New game

story of the work:

"Susannah and the Elders," painted by William Valentine Schevill in 1900, depicts the biblical narrative from the Book of Daniel, illustrating the moment when Susannah is confronted by the two elders who falsely accuse her of infidelity. The work is notable for its detailed rendering and emotional depth, reflecting the artist's engagement with themes of virtue, morality, and the complexities of female agency in a patriarchal society.

Description of the work:

"Susannah and the Elders" by William Valentine Schevill depicts the biblical narrative of Susannah, portrayed in a moment of vulnerability as she is observed by the two elders. The composition is characterized by a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, with a rich color palette that enhances the emotional tension of the scene, while the figures are rendered with a focus on anatomical precision and expressive gestures.

Artwork Photograph Source:

Harvard Art Museum

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