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 (37 items)

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Peter Milton, Victoria's Children, 1967, liftground etching and engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1967.26.3
Victoria’s Children
Artist
Date1967
liftground etching and engraving on paper
Not on view
Peter Milton, Second Opinion, 1974, photosensitive ground etching and engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Given by Dr. Ruth B. Benedict in memory of William S. Benedict, 1982.91, © 1974, Peter Milton
Second Opinion
Artist
Date1974
photosensitive ground etching and engraving on paper
Not on view
Peter Milton, Mornings with Judd, 1968, liftground etching and engraving on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1968.158
Mornings with Judd
Artist
Date1968
liftground etching and engraving on paper
Not on view
Peter Milton, INTERIORS II: STOLEN MOMENTS (drawing for etching), 1986, ink on mylar, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ronald and Anne Abramson, 1991.14.12, © 1986, Peter Milton
INTERIORS II: STOLEN MOMENTS (drawing for etching)
Artist
Date1986
ink on mylar
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

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Claire Falkenstein, City is Man, 1941-1952, linocut, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Falkenstein Foundation, 2019.27.14, ©1997, The Falkenstein Foundation
City is Man
Artist
Date1941-1952
linocut
Not on view
Claire Falkenstein, Untitled, 1976, embossed paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Falkenstein Foundation, 2019.27.18, ©1997, The Falkenstein Foundation
Untitled
Artist
Date1976
embossed paper
Not on view
Claire Falkenstein, Mandala, 1977, lithograph, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Falkenstein Foundation, 2019.27.19, ©1997, The Falkenstein Foundation
Mandala
Artist
Date1977
lithograph
Not on view
Image Not Available
Les Quais de la Seine a Paris
Artist
Date1917
hand-colored etching on postcard
Not on view