19th Century Biblical Mythology Oil Painting Daniel in the Lions' Den Attributed to Isaac Findler, Signed & Dated 1881

Details

Description

Victorian Biblical Narrative Oil Painting "Daniel in the Lions' Den" Signed and Dated 1881

Attributed to Isaac Findler (British, 1809–1888)

… Read more Victorian Biblical Narrative Oil Painting "Daniel in the Lions' Den" Signed and Dated 1881

Attributed to Isaac Findler (British, 1809–1888)

A striking and atmospheric Victorian oil painting on canvas depicting the celebrated biblical story of Daniel in the Lions' Den, traditionally attributed to the Staffordshire artist Isaac Findler. Signed and dated 1881, the painting presents one of the most enduring and powerful narratives from the Old Testament.

The composition portrays Daniel seated calmly upon a rocky outcrop within a shadowy wilderness landscape, surrounded by lions yet remaining unharmed through divine protection. Clad in a vivid crimson robe, Daniel gazes heavenward in prayer and contemplation, conveying a profound sense of faith, devotion, and spiritual resilience. The dramatic contrast between the illuminated figure and the darker surrounding landscape creates a compelling focal point and lends the work considerable visual presence.

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of narrative composition. Daniel occupies the centre of the scene while the surrounding lions create balance, tension, and movement. A restrained palette of deep earth tones, rich browns, and shadowed blacks allows the brilliant red robe to dominate the composition, enhancing both the visual impact and symbolic significance of the subject.

The artist employs strong chiaroscuro effects to create atmosphere and depth throughout the scene. Daniel's calm expression contrasts effectively with the alert presence of the lions, reinforcing the biblical message of unwavering faith and divine intervention. The painting displays many characteristics associated with Victorian provincial religious painting, where storytelling and moral narrative often took precedence over strict academic convention.

Isaac Findler was born in 1809 and lived in the Staffordshire village of Cheddleton near Leek. Although professionally employed as a house painter and decorator, he developed a regional reputation for producing landscapes, religious subjects, and decorative sign painting. In 1874 he held a public exhibition of his work in Leek, and examples of his paintings survive in museum collections. Notably, an earlier depiction of Daniel surrounded by lions painted by Findler in 1846 is held within the Staffordshire museum collection, demonstrating the artist's long-standing interest in this biblical subject.

Signed lower left "Findler" and dated 1881, with part of the inscription obscured by the frame. The painting is offered as attributed to Isaac Findler based upon the visible signature, subject matter, stylistic characteristics, period, and comparison with documented works associated with the artist.

Presented in a traditional painted frame. The reverse retains a label for Sevenoaks Art Shop, Kent, reflecting part of the work's later history.

Provenance: Private United Kingdom collection; retaining Sevenoaks Art Shop label verso; acquired through Halls Fine Art Auctioneers, Shropshire; curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD; formerly exhibited on private loan at the Famous Lord Hill Museum.

Dimensions:

Frame:
Height 32.8 in. (83.3 cm)
Width 26.5 in. (67.4 cm)
Depth 1 in. (2.5 cm)

Canvas:
Height 29.9 in. (76 cm)
Width 23.8 in. (60.5 cm)

Condition:
Presented in good overall condition for its age. The canvas has been relined and remains stable. There is age-related craquelure, surface wear, minor scuffs, and paint surface irregularities consistent with a nineteenth-century oil painting. The frame displays expected age-related wear and minor imperfections. Overall, the work presents attractively and retains strong decorative and visual impact. See less