Suzanne et les vieillards

The story comes from the Book of Daniel. Susannah, a virtuous married woman, is bathing in her walled garden when two respected old judges corner her and threaten to accuse her of adultery unless she gives in to them. She refuses, and is nearly put to death on their lie before a young Daniel exposes them in court. Veronese painted the theme several times around 1580, and he fills this garden with small tells. A little dog sits close to Susannah, the usual symbol of faithfulness, while a stone satyr on the wall leers down at her, standing in for the elders' lust. He walls the garden tightly on every side so there is nowhere for her to run. The two men lean in from the shadows at the edge, already sure of themselves.