Artemisia Gentileschi, 1610
Susanna and the Elders
Artemisia Gentileschi’s first known work, Susanna and the Elders, re-tells chapter 13 of the Book of Daniel, a popular theme in Renaissance and Baroque painting. In the story, a Hebrew girl Susanna is spied on while bathing by lecherous elders. The creeps attempt to blackmail her for sex, and when she refuses she’s put on trial for their false claims. Susanna is eventually vindicated and the elders executed for their crime. read more






