Guglielmo Berti, Susanna and the Elders, Partial Nude, Late 1800s, Oil on Canvas, Framed

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Oil painting on canvas dating back to the late 19th century. Signed lower right. It depicts a biblical episode from … Read more Oil painting on canvas dating back to the late 19th century. Signed lower right. It depicts a biblical episode from the Book of Daniel. The scene immortalizes the moment when two elderly judges spy on and blackmail Susanna, threatening to accuse her of adultery unless she yields to their advances. Despite her refusal, Susanna is later exonerated thanks to the intervention of the prophet Daniel. At the center of the scene stands Susanna, wrapped naked in a white cloth like her body, with two old men leering at her in the background on the right. The scene is framed by red curtains and a red marble column on the right, while in the background, beyond the balustrade of the room, an exotic landscape opens up, with palm trees and prickly pears. The painting is by the Venetian painter Guglielmo Berti, best known for his landscapes and Venetian views from life, but also a producer of genre scenes, mostly popular. This work also displays the artist's attention to detail, from the small objects in Susanna's bathroom to the embroidery and fabric designs of her clothes, and the grain of the marble on the column on the right. The work is presented in a contemporary frame of carved and gilded wood. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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