Daniel in the lion's den c. 1867

Editor: So, this is Victor Müller's "Daniel in the Lion's Den," a pencil drawing from around 1867, housed at the Städel Museum. It strikes me as quite dreamlike, almost unfinished. What do you see in this piece, from your perspective? Curator: Beyond the surface, consider the historical and social backdrop. Müller, a German Romanticist, depicts Daniel, a figure of resistance against oppressive power. Think of the biblical narrative as allegory, the lions symbolizing societal forces that seek to silence dissenting voices. How does Daniel’s nudity, the seeming vulnerability, complicate this reading? Editor: It's interesting you frame it that way. I initially saw the vulnerability as weakness, but in this context, maybe it highlights the power of his faith and convictions? Curator: Precisely! And note the swirl of lines; they not only represent the lions, but the turbulent world surrounding Daniel. This isn’t just about religious faith, it’s a potent commentary on the courage required to stand against injustice, against systems of power that demand conformity. In what ways do you think this theme resonates today? Editor: That makes me think about the courage of activists facing censorship and backlash for speaking out. It’s almost as though Daniel's vulnerability becomes his strength, mirroring the resilience of marginalized voices. Curator: Exactly. By understanding art through socio-political lenses, we recognize it as more than aesthetic. It’s a dialogue across time. Editor: I’ll definitely be looking at historical pieces differently now, considering what they’re saying about the artist’s world. Curator: And perhaps, reflecting on our own.