Daniel in the lion's den c. 1867

Editor: Here we have Victor Müller’s pencil drawing on paper, “Daniel in the Lion’s Den,” from around 1867, currently residing at the Städel Museum. There's a softness to this preparatory sketch that I find quite striking, given the dramatic biblical scene it depicts. What aspects of this work stand out to you? Curator: For me, it's crucial to examine the historical context. Müller created this work during a time of intense religious and social upheaval. How might the artist’s personal background have influenced this depiction of Daniel's resilience in the face of persecution? We see in the soft strokes a contrast with the traditional power dynamics typically associated with this narrative. Editor: That's interesting. It's almost like Daniel isn't just surviving, but finding some inner strength in his vulnerability. Curator: Exactly! Consider the politics of the gaze here. Daniel's vulnerability subverts the expectation of the dominant, patriarchal figure often portrayed in religious narratives. Are the lions really a threat, or a canvas upon which Daniel and the angel renegotiate traditional roles? Editor: So, you're saying that instead of focusing on Daniel's power over the lions, Müller is highlighting a message of hope and resistance against oppressive forces, not through brute strength, but through faith and quiet defiance? Curator: Precisely. How might contemporary viewers connect with this revised representation of Daniel? Do they recognize it as a challenge to prevailing ideologies and systemic injustices? Editor: I’m definitely seeing it differently now. This isn’t just a historical depiction, but also a statement on resilience and the re-imagining of power. Curator: Indeed, and art like this invites us to keep questioning what we see. Editor: Absolutely, I'll carry that question with me!