Daniel in the Lions’ Den by Briton Rivière

In this article

Daniel with his back to the lions

Daniel stands with his back to us and his hands tied behind him, facing the wall of the den. Behind him, a crowd of lions gathers, staring, snarling, unsure. He does not even look at them.

Briton Rivière painted Daniel in the Lions’ Den in 1872, and it established his reputation. It belongs to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

A pride held back

Pride of lions staring and snarling — A pride held back.

The lions press together, some with mouths open, some crouching. Their eyes are fixed on Daniel, but none moves to attack.

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Bound hands, calm faith

Daniel in a dark robe seen from behind — Daniel’s calm figure.

Daniel’s calm, upright figure in a long dark robe contrasts with the restless animals.

Daniel’s bound hands and a lioness beside him — Bound hands, calm faith.

His hands are tied behind his back with rope. A lioness at his side turns her head away. His faith, in the story, is what protects him.

Questions about Daniel in the Lions’ Den

What story does it show?

Daniel 6: Daniel thrown into the lions’ den by King Darius.

Where is it?

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.

When was it painted?

In 1872.

Is there a sequel?

Yes. Daniel’s Answer to the King (1890) shows the next morning.

Sources and image credit

Wikimedia Commons: Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Walker Art Gallery

Public-domain reproduction of Daniel in the Lions’ Den (1872). Detail images are crops of the same image; no reconstruction or upscaling.