Saint Susanna by Francois du Quesnoy - Bust

A bust of Saint Susanna. This tranquil bust draws inspiration from the renowned marble statue of Saint Susanna, sculpted by François du Quesnoy. Commissioned for the church of Santa Maria di Loreto in Rome, this masterpiece was completed in 1629 and has been celebrated for du Quesnoy’s extraordinary skill in rendering the delicate textures of cloth in stone. The statue depicts Saint Susanna, a figure who, according to early versions of the Bible, was martyred for her unwavering faith. In du Quesnoy’s hands, Susanna is not merely a religious icon but also a sublime synthesis of classical and Christian artistry. Du Quesnoy’s work on Saint Susanna is particularly notable for its fusion of aesthetic traditions. He manages to evoke the elegance and physical idealism of ancient Greek nude sculpture, known for its celebration of the human form and intricate detail. Simultaneously, he adheres to Christian ideals of modesty, a delicate balance that requires immense artistic finesse. This dualit