BRITON RIVIÈRE - DANIEL IN THE LION'S DENA, 1872

The artwork captures the moment when Daniel, a high-ranking official under King Darius of Babylon, is thrown into a den of lions due to his refusal to cease praying to his God, defying a royal edict. He is portrayed with a bowed head and bound hands, Surrounding Daniel are several lions. They are not actively attacking him but are instead depicted in various states of rest and mild curiosity.

Rivière was well-versed in the history of art, and the theme of Daniel in the lions' den had been painted by numerous artists before him, including Peter Paul Rubens, whose version of the subject is one of the most famous. Rivière was aware of these precedents and was motivated to offer his own interpretation of the scene, focusing on the dramatic tension and the interplay between humans and animals.

Rivière was renowned for his animal paintings, and this piece is no exception. His lions are depicted with a high degree of naturalism, capturing the texture of their fur, the muscular anatomy, and the expressions on their faces. This contrasts with earlier, more symbolic and less detailed representations where lions might appear more as menacing elements rather than realistic animals.

The painting was well-received by the public, who appreciated the dramatic and engaging depiction of a well-known biblical story. Rivière's ability to portray animals with such realism, combined with the emotional depth of the scene, made it a popular subject. The public was particularly drawn to the naturalistic portrayal of the lions and the serene figure of Daniel, which provided a compelling visual narrative.