Art History Lecture Series | Susanna and the Elders

The subject, from the Catholic Old Testament, is creepy: two old men spying on a naked woman. But in the Renaissance, its popularity exploded as a way for artists to depict the nude within a religious context, attracting great painters including Tintoretto, Rubens, and Rembrandt. This lecture will examine the theme through two works in Seattle collections offering varying interpretations: the Frye’s 1866 version by Franz Winterhalter and the Seattle Art Museum’s 1980 reworking by Robert Colescott.

About the Art History Lecture Series

The Frye Art Museum presents a new season of lectures by art historian Rebecca Albiani, exploring masterpieces of world art, and offering pivotal context to deepen understanding of works on view at the Frye.

About the Instructor

Rebecca Albiani has been an arts lecturer at the Frye Art Museum since 1997. A former Graduate Lecturing Fellow at the National Gallery in Washington D.C., and a Fulbright Scholar in Venice, she holds an MA from Stanford University and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley.

A painting of a seated, nude woman who appears surprised at being interuppted. Barely visible in the shadowed bushes behind her are two older, leering male faces

Franz Xaver Winterhalter, Susanna and the Elders, 1866. Oil on canvas. 64 5/8 x 46 5/8 in. (164.15 x 118.43 cm). Frye Art Museum. Founding Collection, Gift of Charles and Emma Frye.

November 13, 2025

11:30 am–12:30 pm

Frye Art Museum
704 Terry Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

2025–26 Art History Lecture Series Ticket Prices and Tiers:

Individual Tickets
Members: $15
Non-members: $20
Students: $10

Individual in-person tickets are available on the day of the lecture and cannot be purchased in advance. Tickets must be purchased in person with a credit or debit card; cash is not accepted. Recordings of lectures will be available for purchase shortly after lecture date.

In-person Series Pass
Members: $150
Non-members: $200
Students: $100

Recording Only Series Pass
Members: $140
Non-members: $190
Students: $90

Ticketing Policies:

Registration
You may purchase a series pass in advance of the start of the season or at any point during the season while supplies last. Individual tickets for the in-person lectures are not available in advance, but can be purchased in person on a first come first served basis.

Confirmation
Registration is confirmed by email.

Cancellation
The Frye Art Museum reserves the right to cancel any lecture. If the Museum cancels a course or class, a full prorated refund will be issued. Questions? Contact learning@fryemuseum.org

Ticket Limit