Daniel argues with the elders while Susanna stands at left

Art Historical Context

This print depicts a pivotal scene from the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders, drawn from the Book of Daniel. Susanna stands at the left as the young prophet Daniel confronts the two corrupt elders who have falsely accused her, cleverly exposing their deceit through pointed questioning. The composition emphasizes moral justice and the triumph of truth, themes that resonated strongly in 18th-century religious art. Created between 1732 and 1750 through the combined techniques of etching and engraving, the work reflects a collaboration between Venetian painter Giovanni Antonio Fumiani, whose design it reproduces, and printmaker Pietro Monaco. These methods allowed for intricate line work and tonal depth, enabling the dramatic narrative to reach a wider audience through affordable reproductions of larger paintings. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1962 through the Rogers Fund, this sizable sheet highlights the important role of prints in disseminating biblical stories and artistic compositions during the period. Its scale and detail invite viewers to reflect on questions of integrity and judgment central to the tale.

About the Artist

Giovanni Antonio Fumiani|Pietro Monaco (Italian|Italian) · 1707 |1643 –1772 |1710

Italian, Belluno 1707–1772 Venice|Italian, Venice 1643–1710 Venice