Daniel in the Lions' Den

Name: Daniel in the Lions' Den
Brand: Henry Ossawa Tanner
SKU: daniel-in-the-lions-den
Price: 479 USD
Availability: InStock

Henry Ossawa Tanner

Item Number: 30964

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$785

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Tanner paints Daniel standing motionless in the dim stone pit, surrounded by sleeping lions, looking calmly upwards towards a single shaft of light from above. The figure of Daniel is in profile, hand...

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Features “Daniel in the Lions' Den” by Henry Ossawa Tanner

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Author	Henry Ossawa Tanner

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Description “Daniel in the Lions' Den” by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Tanner paints Daniel standing motionless in the dim stone pit, surrounded by sleeping lions, looking calmly upwards towards a single shaft of light from above. The figure of Daniel is in profile, hands joined; the lions are heavy and dark, drawn in firm contours. The colour is held to warm pale of the shaft of light, deep brown of the pit and the dusky gold of the lions' coats.

In a home, this is a strongly contemplative image and suits a study, a stair-landing hallway with steady indirect light, or a wall opposite a single reading chair. The vertical proportion fits between two doorways. The dark palette reads best against pale walls rather than busy patterns. A dark wood or thin aged-gilt frame is the most coherent pairing.

Tanner painted several versions of Daniel in the Lions' Den; the subject was important enough to him that he returned to it across his career. As a fine art reproduction on canvas, the cool light from above and the warm lions depend on real paint to keep their contrast. Standard formats are offered; larger custom sizes are available on request.

Collector's Guide PDF “Daniel in the Lions' Den” by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Daniel in the Lions' Den — Collector's Guide (PDF)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What biblical narrative does Tanner depict in "Daniel in the Lions' Den"?

The painting illustrates the Old Testament story of Daniel, thrown into the lions' den by the Babylonian king Darius after refusing to worship pagan gods, who survives the night through divine protection — the morning after showing him unharmed among the lions, whose mouths have been sealed by an angel. Tanner focuses on the moment of divine protection rather than the drama of the ordeal, showing Daniel in a state of prayer and trust rather than terror.
How does Tanner use light and space to create the painting's spiritual atmosphere?

The dark, atmospheric cave setting — lit by a subtle, diffuse light that Tanner suggests comes from divine rather than natural sources — creates an atmosphere of extraordinary spiritual intimacy, with Daniel's figure small but luminously present amid the shapes of the lions in the surrounding darkness. The quality of the light suggests protection rather than peril, divine presence rather than divine absence.
What is the historical and allegorical significance of Daniel in the Lions' Den for African American audiences?

The story of Daniel — a man of faith persecuted by the dominant power for maintaining his spiritual integrity, yet divinely protected — carried powerful allegorical resonance for African American Christians who experienced persecution and injustice in a society that claimed Christian values. Tanner, as a deeply committed Black Christian artist, may have intended these resonances alongside the devotional meaning.
How does this painting work in a devotional or personally meaningful interior space?

The painting's warm, atmospheric quality, its vision of divine protection in a moment of danger, and its deep engagement with faith as a lived experience create a quietly powerful presence suited to private devotional spaces, studies, or personal rooms where the intersection of artistic excellence and spiritual meaning is most fully appreciated. Its warm darkness and the luminous figure of Daniel create an atmosphere of contemplative trust.

Additional Information “Daniel in the Lions' Den” by Henry Ossawa Tanner

“Tanner painted faith as a palpable presence.” Dewey Mosby

“In the lions' den, divine light overcomes natural darkness.” Alan Braddock

“Tanner brought biblical stories to vivid life.” Marcus Bruce

“His religious paintings glow from within.” Anna Marley

“Tanner made miracles believable through artistic skill.” Naurice Frank Woods Jr.

#1. Biblical Drama. The painting depicts Daniel's miraculous survival among hungry lions.

#2. Light and Shadow. Tanner's masterful use of light creates an atmosphere of divine protection.

#3. First Major Success. This painting helped establish Tanner's reputation in Paris.

#4. Spiritual Focus. Tanner focused on the faith that protected Daniel rather than the danger.

#5. Research Journey. Tanner traveled to study lions directly for this painting.

A sitting room or living room, or a reading corner brings out the balanced palette. Pair it with subdued surroundings; the painting itself provides the visual interest. Pair it freely with brass accents and matte black frames; the result reads as a gallery-style interior. It speaks to domestic comfort, and pairs naturally with rooms where people gather. Soft daylight or warm spot lighting suits the palette; harsh cool light flattens it.

The artist faces two main challenges: the surface of fabric and wood and the modeling of light through windows or lamps. Reference is checked at multiple distances during painting — close for detail, far for overall balance. Interior scenes rely on the falling of light across surfaces and figures together. Hand-painted oil reproduction on canvas — close to the spirit of the original, made by a painter and not a printer.

The painting frames its subject with care, the surroundings stepped back. The lighting is built in measured value, separating planes without forcing contrast. The painting works within a controlled palette, value and tone given priority over hue. The painter's hand is present without dominating the image, paint and drawing balanced. The painting holds its composition steady whether seen from across a room or examined closely. The smaller decisions of edge and value are quiet but consistent.