Who painted Daniel's Vision?

Daniel's Vision was painted by Luigi Sabatelli I in 1809.

Where can I see Daniel's Vision?

Daniel's Vision is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Daniel's Vision?

Daniel's Vision is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Daniel's Vision

Luigi Sabatelli I , 1809

Daniel's Vision is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Luigi Sabatelli I. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A solitary figure, likely the prophet Daniel, stands on the left, his robe billowing as he raises a cloth overhead while staring into a storm‑tossed sea.

Luigi Sabatelli I’s 1809 etching titled Daniel’s Vision presents a turbulent nocturnal tableau drawn from the biblical narrative. A solitary figure, likely the prophet Daniel, stands on the left, his robe billowing as he raises a cloth overhead while staring into a storm‑tossed sea. Above the churning waters, four hybrid beasts—lion‑like bodies with bear heads and winged backs—emerge, underscored by a full moon breaking through ominous clouds.

Subject & Meaning

The composition visualizes the prophetic dream described in the Book of Daniel, where symbolic creatures represent looming threats and divine judgment. By placing Daniel as a calm observer amid the chaos, Sabatelli emphasizes the tension between human apprehension and the unfolding of a larger, inscrutable plan, inviting contemplation of fate and the supernatural forces at work.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the work relies on fine lines and varied hatching to convey texture, from the rippling sea to the ethereal glow of moonlight. Sabatelli’s handling of chiaroscuro accentuates the contrast between illuminated figures and surrounding darkness, while the dramatic arrangement of the beasts reflects Romantic sensibilities toward the sublime and the awe‑inspiring power of nature.

History & Provenance

Created in 1809, the print belongs to the early 19th‑century output of Luigi Sabatelli I, an Italian artist known for his work in both painting and printmaking. The etching was likely produced for a limited edition market, circulating among collectors interested in biblical and Romantic subjects, though specific ownership records remain sparse.

Context

Daniel’s Vision emerged during a period when Romanticism was gaining momentum across Europe, encouraging artists to explore emotional intensity, dramatic lighting, and mythic or biblical themes. Sabatelli’s choice of a prophetic scene aligns with contemporary interests in the supernatural and the human response to overwhelming, often terrifying, natural forces.