Susanna und die beiden Alten
Anthonis van Dyck (1599-1641)

Susanna und die beiden Alten,

um 1622/23
Material / Technology / Carrier
Leinwand
Dimensions of the object
194 x 144 cm
Displayed
AP OG Saal VI
Department
Flämische Malerei
Genre
Malerei
Inventory number
595
Acquisition
1806 aus der Galerie Düsseldorf
Stock
Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München
Citation
Anthonis van Dyck, Susanna und die beiden Alten, um 1622/23, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/8eGVjjBGWQ (Last updated on 26.05.2023)
That, which the Bible (Daniel 13) describes in great detail, is here in this painting compacted into a few gestures and glances: Susanna's fright, the lecherousness of the elders, a spider-like hand that touches her, causing her to shudder, the threatening gesture and false severity of the younger man, who tries to snatch off the cloth covering her nakedness. Van Dyck reveals his great talent as a storyteller with a psychological propensity: He seems to be able to empathize both with the masculine and feminine side of the situation.

You may also be interested in the following works of art: