Daniel dans la fosse aux lions, Rubens

Graphite on Fabriano paper 220g.160 x 224 x 4 cm. Rubens’ painting shows the prophet Daniel in the lions’ den; where he was twice thrown to the lions, because his faith in God was different from those in power. Protected by his faith, the prophet emerged from these trials unscathed. The biblical moral of this story is to deride idolatry, and to prove that those who worship the true God will be protected. In this artist’s version, Daniel’s faith did not protect him, and no angel closed the lions’ jaws. This image refuses idolatry, but does not sell a better faith.