Susanna

Edris Eckhardt, Susanna, 1945, terra cotta, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dr. Paul A. Nelson in honor of Henry and Lillian Steinberg, 1984.136.2
Edris Eckhardt, Susanna, 1945, terra cotta, 18 3⁄4 x 7 x 6 5⁄8 in. (47.7 x 17.9 x 16.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Dr. Paul A. Nelson in honor of Henry and Lillian Steinberg, 1984.136.2

Artwork Details

Title
Susanna
Artist
Date
1945
Location
Dimensions
18 3⁄4 x 7 x 6 5⁄8 in. (47.7 x 17.9 x 16.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Paul A. Nelson in honor of Henry and Lillian Steinberg
Mediums
Mediums Description
terra cotta
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — fish
  • Figure female — nude
  • Figure female — knee length
  • Portrait female — Susanna
Object Number
1984.136.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.136.2

Artwork Description

Edris Eckhardt created many ceramic sculptures inspired by religious characters, and this piece is based on the biblical story of Susanna. Two elders propositioned the young woman while she bathed, but she rejected their advances. The angry men falsely accused her of adultery, and Susanna was sentenced to death. This sculpture captures the moment when she emerges from the water, unaware that she is being watched. The dark, bronze-colored surface, together with the figure's exaggerated curves and dancer's pose, suggest an ancient image of fertility.

Works by this artist (2 items)

Hermon A. MacNeil, A Primitive Chant to the Great Spirit, modeled by 1901, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Maurice Kawashima in honor of Dr. Richard Wunder, 1996.27
A Primitive Chant to the Great Spirit
Artist
Datemodeled by 1901
bronze
On view
Hermon A. MacNeil, Hopi Prayer for Rain, 1931, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.10
Hopi Prayer for Rain
Artist
Date1931
bronze
Not on view

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Namur Hrave les Autrichiens
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bronze
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A. Stirling Calder, The Dance of Life Begins Early, 1938, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.24
The Dance of Life Begins Early
Artist
Date1938
bronze
Not on view
Anthony de Francisci, Bernard M. Baruch Distinguished Service Award (obverse), 1952, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.50
Bernard M. Baruch Distinguished Service Award (obverse)
Artist
Date1952
bronze
Not on view