The Story of Susanna

Currently not on view

The Story of Susanna

1540

Jörg Breu II (the Younger) (German, c. 1510–1547) Previously attributed to Jörg Breu I (German, 1475–1537)

The story portrayed in this woodcut takes place in Babylon during the Exile of the Jews, although Jörg Breu II used elaborate Renaissance architecture for this depiction. Susanna was a young, married woman preyed upon by two elders who plotted to seduce her. One day they surprised her while she bathed in her garden, and threatened to accuse her of adultery if she did not give herself to them. Susanna refused and, based on the false testimony of the elders, she was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to death. She was rescued at the last minute by the young prophet Daniel, who tricked the old men into revealing their lies.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

The Story of Susanna

Date:

1540

Artists:

Jörg Breu II (the Younger) (German, c. 1510–1547) Previously attributed to Jörg Breu I (German, 1475–1537)

Medium:

Woodcut, printed from four blocks

Dimensions:

Sheet: 19 3/8 x 26 9/16 inches (49.2 x 67.5 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

The Charles M. Lea Collection, 1928

Accession Number:

1928-42-722

Geography:

Made in Germany, Europe

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Currently not on view