Daniel in the Lions’ Den

What does Daniel in the Lions’ Den show?

Tanner places Daniel at the left, leaving much of the foreground to the lions. A pale mane and face emerge beside his robe; darker animals recede toward the back wall. Blue and green pass across the bodies and stone, softening the boundaries between them.

This is Tanner’s later, horizontal treatment of the subject, which LACMA dates to 1907–1918. The work is painted in oil on paper mounted on canvas. The light and the close arrangement of the figures concentrate our attention on Daniel’s presence within the den.

Featured in: Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Bible Paintings: Humiliated at Home, Honoured in Paris

What does Daniel 6:22 mean?

Daniel’s fellow officials use his regular prayer to God as grounds for condemning him under the king’s decree. He continues to pray three times a day, as before. After a sleepless night, Darius returns to the den at dawn and calls out to learn whether Daniel’s God has delivered him.

Daniel 6:22 is the answer from inside the den: God sent His angel, and the lions did not hurt him. Tanner leaves the angel unseen. The painting holds us in the waiting that comes before the king hears those words, while the verse tells us how Daniel understands his survival.

Daniel 6:22 gives the quiet scene its explanation: Daniel attributes his safety among the lions to God’s deliverance.

Sources

LACMA — Daniel in the Lions’ Den. The later painting’s image, materials, date range, and distinction from the earlier version.

Daniel 6 — Berean Standard Bible. Daniel’s prayer, the night in the den, and his answer to Darius.