Innocence of Susanna
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Accused by two would-be rapists of having had an illicit affair, the beautiful Susanna is brought before the young Daniel to be judged. He trips up the accusers with his questions. Valentin makes us witnesses of the turn of events leading to Susanna’s vindication. She is accompanied by her two bewildered children. Valentin again shows his independence by choosing this psychologically complex subject rather than the popular, erotically charged one of the two lechers propositioning her while she bathed.
The picture belonged to the German collector Everhard Jabach, who sold it to Louis XIV; it decorated the paintings cabinet at Versailles.
The picture belonged to the German collector Everhard Jabach, who sold it to Louis XIV; it decorated the paintings cabinet at Versailles.
Artwork Details
- Title: Innocence of Susanna
- Artist: Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome)
- Date: ca. 1621–22
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 68 7/8 × 83 1/16 in. (175 × 211 cm)
Frame: 85 7/16 × 98 7/16 in. (217 × 250 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Musée du Louvre, Paris, Département des Peintures
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings