Susanna and the Elders is one of Rembrandt’s most famous works. (Margaret chose the spelling Susannah in her title) It tells the biblical story of Susanna bathing only to be discovered by two lascivious judges who attempt to blackmail her for sexual favours – which she refuses. The pose of Margaret’s Susanna is almost identical to the one painted by Rembrandt, both women looking directly at the artist as though caught in the act. The story was also reimagined by Artemisia Gentileschi, the theme of resistance by a woman resonating with all three painters. Margaret’s work is sombre and mysterious, the body shining against the dark background, Susanna cowering somewhat to hide her breasts from the artist as though shy in response to her gaze.

The work is a fine example of Margaret’s ability to paint the body, committing herself to life drawing classes throughout her career, always seeking to push her knowledge and skill in different directions. She joined her friends Nora Heysen and Judy Cassab monthly for a period for life drawing, all three women dedicated to their practice as artists ignoring the hardship faced by women who were not taken as seriously as their male colleagues. They were all highly skilled not only in their ability to put pastel and pencil to paper but also in their exploration of themes that simmered beneath the often-superficial reading of their work.