Susanna And The Elders, Ink Wash Drawing, Late 18th/early 19th Century, 18th-century Carved Wooden Frame

Pen and ink wash on paper, datable to the late 18th or early 19th century, perhaps even earlier, depicting a three-figure composition. At the center is a woman draped in a light fabric, flanked by two men whom she dismisses with a gesture of rejection. A stone basin (whose steps are reflected in the water) is sketched in the background, which tends to confirm the identification of the episode with the Old Testament story of Susanna at her bath (chapter 13 of the Book of Daniel), a subject that enjoyed great popularity in painting from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The depiction of a palm tree, its leaves enhanced by vibrant highlights of white chalk, lends the scene an oriental flavor, evoking Babylon, the setting of this biblical story. The composition, with its three-part rhythm, possesses a remarkable balance. A strong visual presence is evident in the bold contrasts, confident washes of ink, and energetic pen strokes. There are some damage, perforations, and losses on the verso that have been previously filled, as well as some fragility in the paper. The work is in the style of Felice Giani (1758-1823) and also bears a resemblance to Guercino's drawings in its treatment of contrasts. The drawing is framed in an 18th-century Regency frame of carved oak, which has been stripped of its original finish. Some traces of gilding remain. Overall dimensions: 41 x 35 cm. Visible dimensions: 28 x 21.5 cm.