Artwork

Daniel i løvekulen

Daniel i løvekulen, by Unknown, 1872
Daniel i løvekulen, by Unknown, 1872

Daniel i løvekulen is a photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

The man’s peaceful expression contrasts with the wild animals, creating a quiet moment.

This black-and-white image shows a man in a long robe standing calmly in a rocky den. Around him, a lion and a bear lie down quietly, while another lion watches nearby. The lighting is dim, with shadows making the scene feel dark and dramatic.

The man’s peaceful expression contrasts with the wild animals, creating a quiet moment. This photo was made in 1872, blending realism with a touch of the dramatic.

Next, look up *chiaroscuro* to see how artists use light and shadow like this.

Overview

Created in 1872 by the artist known as 253_person, the work titled “Daniel i løvekulen” is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It is a black‑and‑white image that depicts a solitary figure in a long robe within a cavernous setting, surrounded by several large animals.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure stands serenely amid a rocky enclosure while a lion and a bear lie at his feet and another lion watches from a short distance. The calm demeanor of the man, juxtaposed with the presence of predatory beasts, suggests a narrative of composure and dominion over nature, echoing themes of biblical or heroic endurance.

Technique & Style

Rendered in monochrome, the image relies on strong contrasts between illuminated areas and deep shadows, a visual approach reminiscent of chiaroscuro. The subdued lighting creates a dramatic atmosphere, emphasizing the textures of the stone and the fur of the animals while isolating the figure in a quiet, almost reverent space.

History & Provenance

The photograph was produced in the early 1870s, a period when photographic experimentation with staged scenes was common. After its creation, it entered the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains accessible for study and exhibition as part of the institution’s documentation of 19th‑century visual culture.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known