Illustration XIV: God sends an angel to protect Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6) c. 16th century

Curator: The first impression I get from this woodcut is a sense of primal unease, looking at the faces of the lions—they almost have a human quality. Editor: This anonymous piece, held at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Illustration XIV: God sends an angel to protect Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6)." It's a powerful visual narrative. Curator: Absolutely, and the composition, the divine intervention from above contrasted with those unsettling, almost comical, lion faces, reinforces the underlying psychological theme of faith in the face of fear. What is this work’s place in the world? Editor: This image reflects a society deeply invested in religious doctrine, which saw art as a vehicle for moral instruction, solidifying the social order. The lions, though menacing, are also symbols of earthly power subdued by divine authority. Curator: I agree; it speaks to how visual symbols could embody a society’s understanding of power, faith, and the human condition. Editor: Precisely, a reminder that art is always engaged with the socio-political forces of its time, shaping our perceptions of reality.