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Alabaster Sculpture - Suzannah and the Elders

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© Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

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Basic Information

Accession Number:1965P15
Collection:Fine Art Paintings and Sculpture
Date:1500 - 1600

Notes

The story of 'Suzanna and the Elders', is from the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha contains stories which are not in the canonised or official Bible. Suzanna was bathing in her garden when two Elders, who were spying on her, threatened to accuse her of adultery if she did not submit to their lust. She refused and was condemned to death. As she was led to her execution a man called Daniel appealed for the Elders to be questioned again. They were exposed as liars and executed in her place. The story illustrated the virtues of chastity and courage, even in the face of death. It was one of few Bible episodes that allowed the depiction of the female nude.

Purchased, 1965.

Further Information

Production Period:16th century
School/Style:Flemish School
Medium:Alabaster with gilding.
Material(s):Gilt

Associated Places

Dimensions

Height:270 mm
Width:155 mm
Depth:80 mm