SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Peter Paul Rubens
1614 – 1616
National Gallery Art, Washington
The stone has just rolled off the mouth of the cave, and morning light streams in. We see a thankful Daniel with his eyes raised to heaven and hands clasped in prayer. His body is tense, but his faith is faithful. The painting recounts the famous episode of the Persian King condemning the devout Daniel to spend the night in a lion’s den for refusing to worship him. Daniel is surrounded by fierce lions, each in various stages of slumber and wakefulness. Some stare straight at us, others sleep while still others roar and growl restlessly. By painting the cave as if beyond the frame, the artist draws us right into the picture. Daniel’s miraculous survival symbolizes the Resurrection of Christ. Nothing is impossible for those who believe in God’s promise of protection and providence.
– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum
Fr. Warner D'Souza is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He has served in the parishes of St Michael's (Mahim), St Paul's (Dadar East), Our Lady of Mount Carmel, (Bandra), a ten year stint as priest-in-charge at St Jude Church (Malad East) and at present is the Parish Priest at St Stephen's Church (Cumballa Hill). He is also the Director of the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum and is the co-ordinator of the Committee for the Promotion and Preservation of the Artistic and Historic Patrimony of the Church.
The opening sentence “The stone has rolled off….” reminds me of the tomb of Christ when Mary Magdalene n Mary mother of James came to the tomb. Though the painting shows the physical strength of David, one can also see humility & trust in God, God being in control. The lesson is whatever the situation when we hand it over to the Lord, He takes control of it. Just believe…