Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar

This large tapestry depicts two scenes inspired by the Book of Daniel, a biblical text. The tapestry, of significant size, is part of the productions distributed by merchants from Tournai, such as Arnould Poissonnier, in the first third of the 16th century. The upper border is characteristic of this origin. A decorative column separates the two scenes inspired by the Book of Daniel, a biblical text popularized through booklets in Latin and French.

The tapestry is read from right to left. First, Daniel, dressed in a red cloak, halts the army of the Assyrian ruler Nebuchadnezzar (whose name is distorted to Ladigodirs or Labigodoires), led by a figure on horseback. Then, still in a red cloak, Daniel listens to Nebuchadnezzar, dressed in blue, recounting his dream of the colossus with feet of clay. This colossus is depicted in coppery hues in the background near the left border, with an ovoid stone above ready to shatter it. The biblical characters are dressed in the fashion of the first half of the 16th century. The composition is very dense. The aesthetic of the piece suggests a secular use, despite the religious inspiration of the subject.

Formerly part of the Lucien de Rosny collection, purchased through the administration in 1847.