Victorian Biblical Narrative Oil Painting Daniel in the Lions Den c1881 Framed





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Description


Victorian Daniel in the Lions’ Den Oil Painting Signed Findler Dated 1881
Attributed to Isaac Findler (British, 1809–1888)
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Signed and dated 1881
Oil on canvas

Highlights
Large Victorian biblical oil painting
Depicts Daniel surrounded by lions
Signed “Findler” and dated 1881
Attributed to Staffordshire artist Isaac Findler
Related subject recorded among Findler’s documented works
Dramatic crimson robe and atmospheric chiaroscuro
Relined canvas presented in a traditional painted frame
Sevenoaks Art Shop label retained on the reverse
Privately loaned to and exhibited with the Famous Lord Hill Museum
Substantial framed dimensions of 83.3 × 67.4 cm
Fitted with hanging cord and ready to display

Introduction
A striking and atmospheric Victorian biblical oil painting depicting Daniel in the Lions’ Den, one of the most enduring narratives of faith and divine protection found in the Old Testament.
The painting is signed lower left “Findler” and dated 1881. It is offered as attributed to Isaac Findler (1809–1888), a Staffordshire artist known to have painted an earlier interpretation of Daniel surrounded by lions.
Daniel is portrayed seated calmly upon a rocky outcrop within a shadowy wilderness. Surrounded by lions but remaining unharmed, he looks heavenward in prayer and contemplation. His vivid crimson robe creates a dramatic focal point and conveys a profound sense of faith, courage and spiritual resilience.
The combination of its powerful biblical subject, large display size and dramatic use of light and colour gives the painting considerable decorative, religious and historical appeal.

Catalogue Details
Artist: Attributed to Isaac Findler
Artist’s dates: 1809–1888
Title: Daniel in the Lions’ Den
Date: 1881
Period: Victorian
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature: Signed “Findler” lower left
Inscription: Dated 1881
Subject: Biblical and religious narrative
Frame: Traditional later painted frame
Presentation: Framed and ready to hang

Catalogue Note
Daniel occupies the centre of the composition, seated in quiet contemplation while lions gather around him. His composed expression contrasts with the danger represented by the animals, reinforcing the painting’s message of unwavering faith and divine protection.
The artist employs a restrained palette of deep browns, rich blacks and warm earth tones. Against these darker colours, Daniel’s crimson robe becomes the dominant focal point, drawing the viewer immediately towards the illuminated figure.
Strong contrasts between light and shadow create depth and atmosphere throughout the composition. The dark woodland and rocky surroundings heighten the sense of isolation, while the concentrated light around Daniel suggests divine intervention.
Particular attention has been given to Daniel’s calm and contemplative expression, which contrasts effectively with the alert presence of the lions.
The work displays many of the characteristics associated with Victorian provincial religious art, in which storytelling, emotional expression and moral instruction were often prioritised over strict academic precision.

Historical Context
The story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den appears in the Old Testament Book of Daniel.
Daniel was condemned to spend the night in a den of lions after refusing to abandon his devotion to God. Through divine intervention, the lions did not harm him, and he emerged safely the following morning.
The episode became an enduring symbol of unwavering faith, courage under persecution and ultimate spiritual triumph.
Biblical narrative paintings were highly popular in nineteenth-century Britain. They were displayed in private homes, schools, chapels and public institutions, where they served both as decorative works and as expressions of religious and moral values.
Daniel in the Lions’ Den was particularly suited to Victorian narrative painting because it combined dramatic imagery with an inspirational message of faith, courage and divine protection.
Today, Victorian religious paintings continue to appeal to collectors for their storytelling, symbolism and connection with nineteenth-century faith and culture.

The Artist
Isaac Findler was born in 1809 and lived in Cheddleton, near Leek in Staffordshire. Although professionally employed as a house painter and decorator, he also produced landscapes, religious subjects and painted signs.
It is believed that Findler devoted increasing amounts of time to painting after his son assumed responsibility for the family decorating business during the late 1860s. He subsequently developed a regional reputation for his distinctive and highly individual artistic style.
Findler held a public exhibition of his work in Leek in 1874, and examples of his paintings have been preserved within regional collections.
Of particular relevance is an earlier depiction of Daniel surrounded by six lions, painted by Findler in 1846 and recorded in the Staffordshire museum collection. This establishes an important documented connection between the artist and the biblical subject represented in the present painting.
If the attribution is correct, the present painting, dated 1881, would represent a mature work completed during the later years of Findler’s artistic career.

Signed & Dated
Signed lower left “Findler” and dated 1881.
Part of the signature and date is obscured by the inner edge of the frame, although sufficient elements remain visible to identify the inscription.
The attribution to Isaac Findler is based upon the visible signature and date, subject matter, period, stylistic characteristics and comparison with documented works associated with the artist.

Provenance
Private collection, United Kingdom.
Retaining a Sevenoaks Art Shop framing label on the reverse.
Sourced through Halls Fine Art Auctioneers, Shropshire.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Privately loaned to and exhibited with the Famous Lord Hill Museum.
Research accompanying the painting refers to Isaac Findler’s documented exhibition history and the related composition of Daniel with lions recorded in the Staffordshire museum collection.

Framing & Presentation
Presented in a traditional later painted frame that complements the painting’s sombre palette and Victorian religious character.
The reverse retains a label for Sevenoaks Art Shop, Kent, reflecting part of the painting’s later framing and presentation history.
The painting is fitted with hanging cord and is ready for immediate wall display.

Dimensions
Overall framed dimensions:
Height: 83.3 cm / 32.8 inches
Width: 67.4 cm / 26.5 inches
Depth: 2.5 cm / 1 inch
Canvas dimensions:
Height: 76 cm / 29.9 inches
Width: 60.5 cm / 23.8 inches
All measurements are approximate.

Condition Report
The painting is presented in good overall condition for its age.
The canvas has been relined and remains stable and securely stretched. The painted surface displays age-related craquelure, surface wear, scuffs, scratches and small paint irregularities consistent with a nineteenth-century oil painting.
The later painted frame displays age-related wear, marks and minor imperfections commensurate with age and handling.
The painting presents attractively and retains considerable visual impact when displayed.
Please study all listing photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition report. Antique and historic works of art are offered in the condition acquired and may retain evidence of age, restoration and previous ownership.



Reserve: $7,020.00

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