St. Susanna

sculpture by Duquesnoy

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July 13, 2026

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The sculpture of St. Susanna was created by the Flemish sculptor François Duquesnoy. Completed in 1633 for Santa Maria di Loreto in Rome, it is noted for its synthesis of classical ideals and a sensitive study of nature. This work, along with his St. Andrew, showcases Duquesnoy's restrained style, which contrasted with the more emotionally charged art prevalent in 17th-century Rome. Duquesnoy's approach influenced sculpture by blending classical aesthetics with naturalistic details, a departure from the Mannerist style. The story of Susanna itself is an apocryphal addition to the Book of Daniel, focusing on themes of righteousness, false accusation, and wise judgment.1234

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Western sculpture
Early and High Baroque
The latter’s St. Susanna in Santa Maria di Loreto in Rome, a figure after the antique but enlivened with Berninian textures, was originally made to look toward the observer and, with a gesture, to direct his attention to the altar. The distinction between art and life that…
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The latter’s St. Susanna in Santa Maria di Loreto in Rome, a figure after the antique but enlivened with Berninian textures, was originally made to look toward the observer and, with a gesture, to direct his attention to the altar. The distinction between art and life that…
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François Duquesnoy
…to that of Bernini, but St. Susanna, which was not completed until 1633 for the choir of Santa Maria di Loreto, Rome, shows a characteristic synthesis of the classical ideal and a sensitive study of nature.
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…to that of Bernini, but St. Susanna, which was not completed until 1633 for the choir of Santa Maria di Loreto, Rome, shows a characteristic synthesis of the classical ideal and a sensitive study of nature.
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