Red Room Where the Writers Are

Susanna, Woman of Sorrow

November 25 has been designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a cause which I support wholeheartedly. Violence against women is today perceived by many enlightened individuals as something more than physical brutality -- it encompasses harrassment, political disenfranchisment, humiliation, sexism, belittlement, and other forms of psychological mistreatment. I'd like to cite the story of Susanna and the Elders from the Old Testament as an example of the non-physical type of violence against women. In this story, Susanna is a beautiful woman who is lusted after by two elders who had spied on her while she was bathing and then tried to force her to give herself to them. She refuses they later take her to court and bring  a false accusation of adultery against her, which would have had her put to death if convicted, but she is saved by the clever defense of  a young man named Daniel.

 My painting of Susanna illustrated this story by depicted Susanna in sorrow just after she has been spied upon and abused by the two elders. You can view more of my paintings at www.anthonymaulucci.com