Ancient Painting Of The XVIIth Century

Atelier Susanna and the elders by Pieter Frans De Grebber (Haarlem 1600 - Haarlem 1652) Provenance: private collection The biblical story Susanna, a very beautiful and pious young woman, is coveted by two old men who visit her husband's house and manage to enter her garden by surprising her while taking a bath. They had been elected judges by the Jewish community exiled to Babylon and, inflamed with lust, threaten to accuse her of having caught her with a young lover if she does not allow it. Susanna's refusal publicly accuses her of adultery. Brought to court, she is found guilty and sentenced to death by stoning, but at this point, Daniele introduces herself: "While Susanna was being led to death, the Lord resurrected the holy spirit of a young man, called Daniel , who started shouting, "I am innocent of his blood! ". Everyone turned to him and said, "What do you mean by your words?" Then Daniel, standing among them, said, "Are you so stupid, Israelites?" You have sentenced an Israeli girl to death without investigating the truth! Go back to the courtroom because they have filed the infringement against you. ” This intervention by Daniele, who then personally questions the two slanderers and brings out the deception, is also the beginning of his public path as a prophet. The reputation of Susanna is restored to honor and the fame of Daniele grows among the people. The two infamous judges are sometimes identified with those of whom Jeremiah speaks (29,21-23).