Daniël in de leeuwenkuil Possibly 1705 - 1728

Curator: Welcome. We're standing before "Daniel in the Lions' Den," an engraving attributed to Matthijs Pool, likely created between 1705 and 1728. It’s currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Whoa. So much dread and so much light—a bit dramatic for a print, no? It feels vast, almost theatrical. Curator: Note the stark contrasts: The strategic deployment of light and shadow guides the eye directly to Daniel, rendered with meticulous detail amidst the wildness of the lions and the den itself. The lines create both form and texture. Editor: The texture—exactly! The lines remind me of swirling feelings; you can almost hear the lions’ breath and Daniel’s hushed prayer. I keep asking myself, what was he feeling as he looks out, expecting a savior in the dark? Is that despair on his face, or is it hope? The rendering lends an ambiguity that history rarely grants its players. Curator: Precisely. Consider, also, the structural integrity: the balanced composition creates a stable space amidst the chaotic scene. The foreground dominates while a small lion is set apart into its own smaller alcove in the back—note how the engraver manages to establish spatial depth even with the restricted tonality of this medium. Editor: The space. Yes, even the stones have weight. This piece transcends the literal depiction. It whispers of resilience in absolute darkness—and about standing firm in our beliefs, whatever the cost. I like how Matthijs uses light from unseen places, just as inner light sustains him. Curator: And through his command of line and form, Matthijs creates an enduring testament to faith amidst adversity. Editor: I am left to consider how one sustains one's self, not just body but soul. An introspective reminder if there ever was one!