Artwork
The Prophet Daniel (study for a mosaic in St Paul's Cathedral)
The Prophet Daniel (study for a mosaic in St Paul's Cathedral) is an oil painting by Alfred Stevens. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Prophet Daniel is a study for a mosaic in St Paul's Cathedral, created by Alfred Stevens around 1873. It is an oil painting that showcases the artist's realistic style and attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a contemplative male figure, likely the prophet Daniel, wearing a white tunic with a dark stripe. His raised right arm and thoughtful expression convey a sense of introspection or concern.
Technique & Style
Stevens' use of oil paint achieves a sense of depth and dimension through subtle color and shading. The work reflects the influence of 17th-century Dutch genre painting in its realistic style and meticulous finish.
History & Provenance
The painting was created as a preparatory study for a mosaic in St Paul's Cathedral, demonstrating Stevens' involvement in large-scale decorative projects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alfred Émile Léopold Stevens (11 May 1823 – 24 August 1906) was a Belgian painter, known for his paintings of elegant modern women.
Figure Group (cartoon for the south wall, left centre of the ceiling cove, Dining Room, Dorchester House)
The Judgement of Paris (cartoon for the south panel of the ceiling, dining room, Dorchester House)
Right Figure (cartoon for the south wall, dining room, Dorchester House)
Art (design for a mosaic in the Victoria and Albert Museum)
Magog Thrown into the Sea (cartoon for the south wall, centre, of the ceiling cove, dining room, Dorchester House)
Pytia
Apostles and Angels at the Assumption (copy of the fresco in the cupola of Parma Cathedral)
Erythraean Sibyl
Apostles at the Virgin's Tomb
Simsons Rache an den Philistern
Efect de lumină
Left Figure (cartoon for the south wall, dining room, Dorchester House)