Susanna and the EldersLombard School of the 17th Century Circle of Carlo Francesco Nuvolone (Milan, 1609 – Milan, 1662) Oil on canvas Canvas cm. 75 x 98 frame cm. 85 x 108 Excellent condition The painting depicts the scene from the famous biblical episode narrated in chapter 13 of the Book of Daniel, which describes the attempt of two old judges to undermine the virtue of the chaste Susanna, while she is washing naked at the fountain in her garden. The requests and blackmail of the two odious old men, well depicted here in their wickedness, are rejected by the young woman, who will thus be punished by the two with the accusation of adultery and executed. Only the intervention of the Prophet Daniel will save Susanna by publicly exposing the perfidious plots of the two unsuspected evildoers. The story was widely represented by masters of ancient painting not only for its edifying and happy ending, but in that it lent itself to the representation of sensual images with more or less evident erotic implications, with the ostentation of female nudity often in provocative and highly licentious poses, in total contrast with the morality of that era. Furthermore, the works could be displayed in palaces, even ecclesiastical ones, with a pretext of religious connotation, to cover a desire for pornographic viewing. The canvas in fact reflects the aesthetic canons required by noble and religious commissions to furnish their palaces in a libertine way. His artistic placement is easily recognizable in the 17th century Lombardy with references to the painting of the Milanese Master Carlo Francesco Nuvolone, presenting his typical muted colors with the effective effects of light and shadow. The nude figure of the protagonist is irradiated with light and attracts the viewer's gaze. Half-hidden in the shadows are the figures of the two lewd old men, who surprise her in the garden, one offering a jewel in exchange for her favors and the other inviting her to silence with his finger on his mouth. The painting is in excellent condition complete with a black lacquered wooden frame with a gilded inner profile. We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the era, provenance and all the characteristics of the work, drawn up by an Antique dealer affiliated with FIMA (ITALIAN FEDERATION OF ART MERCHANTS). Delivery in Italy and throughout Europe within 3 days of receiving the bank transfer. The shipment is tracked and insured and travels with careful shockproof packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate. Negotiable price and personalized payment.