Susanna and the Elders, ca. 1526
Pen and brown ink, on brownish paper, graphite
Sheet dimensions33,2 × 27,4 cm
About the workThis preparatory drawing for a painting looks like a picture puzzle in which the Regensburg painter Albrecht Altdorfer has hidden a biblical narrative. Susanna is sitting at the front of the image on the left; she is being spied on by two elderly judges. They harass her and, when she resists, they spread untruths about her. During a trial, however, the men are exposed as guilty and sentenced to death. Their stoning takes place in the courtyard of the magnificent palace. While many painters used this pictorial theme to portray Susanna’s naked body, Altdorfer focused his attention on the narrative sequence of events.
AccessionCollection of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Provenance[…]; seit 1932 Dauerleihgabe der Kunstakademie Düsseldorf
Inventory numberKA (FP) 5469
