France, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, 12th century / c. 1125–50
Daniel in the Lion's Den
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Daniel in the Lion's Den as sculpture (France, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, 12th century · c. 1125–50).
During the 12th century, churches used images to teach the faithful who were illiterate. While Daniel lived before Jesus, he is depicted holding a bible, alluding to the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as limestone.
The museum's collection notes: According to the Old Testament, Daniel was cast into a lion’s den as punishment for his belief in a single god, but he was miraculously delivered from harm on account of his faith. This story is related here, with Daniel flanked by lions and the angel sent by God to save him. Together with other decorated capitals, this imposing work of Romanesque sculpture once decorated the interior of the church of Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, a city in central France.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtDaniel in the Lion's DenOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.