In the second painting, Reni shows Susanna concealed by her robe and not nude, which was unusual at the time. However, he depicts her being manhandled by the lascivious men. She pushes one away but is trapped between them. There is no titillation here, only the uncomfortable sight of Susanna trying to free herself from the men's physical persistence. This version is a rare example of the story being presented as an instructive lesson in the importance of male sexual restraint, which the two men evidently do not possess.
The way in which Susanna is presented – fully nude, surrounded by luxury objects, not unlike Tintoretto's Susanna – suggests she is narcissistic and an exhibitionist, therefore justifying David's distant but lingering gaze.
Nude women bathing: Susanna, Bathsheba and the troubling male gaze
Are there any nude pictures of Susanna Hoffs? Probably not :|
