This piece is based on Susanna and the Elders (c. 1555-56) by Jacopo Tintoretto which depicts the biblical episode of Susanna, a young married woman preparing to take a bath as she is watched by two elderly judges who desire her. After the men falsely accuse her of adultery, Daniel steps in to prevent her execution and interrogated each man separately. When asked under which tree Susanna had committed adultery, they named very different kinds of trees – one saying a mastic tree and one saying a live oak. Daniel exposed the elders for bearing false witness and Susanna was freed and the Elders condemned.