Daniël in de leeuwenkuil 1634 - 1693

Jonas Umbach created this small etching, "Daniel in the Lions' Den," sometime in the 17th century. During this period, biblical scenes were often used to reflect the complex intersections of faith, power, and individual identity. Umbach’s print invites us to consider the emotional and psychological dimensions of Daniel's plight. Here, Daniel is depicted as an athletic, nude figure who turns his face towards the light, seeking divine intervention. Meanwhile, the lions surrounding him are rendered with a mix of curiosity and passivity. Their eyes communicate a sense of wonder, rather than aggression. Consider how Umbach, living in a society marked by religious and political conflict, might have used Daniel's story to explore themes of resilience, faith, and the potential for coexistence amidst adversity. Is this a story about being a minority, about the courage to stand up to power and injustice? Does the artist suggest that faith can transform even the most hostile environments into spaces of peace?