Susanna and the Elders, Rembrandt van Rijn, ca. 1650 - ca. 1655
pen and brown ink, with white opaque paint; later additions with brush in grey; framing lines in brown ink, h 201mm × b 188mm Catalogue entry
Two old men approached the Biblical Susanna while bathing with indecent proposals. They threatened to accuse her of adultery if she didn't respond to their desires. In this drawing, she turns away from them embarrassedly. The hand of one elder on her shoulder and the warning finger of his other hand speak volumes.
