Daniël in de leeuwenkuil 1771 - 1816

Reinier Vinkeles created this print, "Daniel in the Lion's Den," using etching and engraving techniques. Vinkeles lived during the Enlightenment, a period that saw shifts in religious and political authority. This image depicts Daniel, a figure from the Hebrew Bible, surrounded by lions in a pit. But it's the radiant angel that draws our eye. Descending on a cloud, the angel represents divine intervention and serves as a symbol of hope amidst persecution. Daniel's survival speaks to themes of religious faith and righteousness, particularly relevant during the Enlightenment when traditional religious beliefs were being questioned and sometimes threatened. What does it mean to stand firm in one's beliefs when faced with adversity? Vinkeles prompts us to reflect on the emotional dimensions of faith and resilience, both in historical and contemporary contexts.