The fabulous beasts representing the four empires of 'Daniel's Dream'

LAURO, Giacomo.

Visio Danielis Prophetae in Cap VII de Romano et Alioru Imperio.
Rome, c.1650. Coloured etching. 180 x 235mm.

Portraits of the four fantastical beasts representing the ancient empires, as described in Chapter Seven of the Book of Daniel: a lion with eagle's wings (Babylon or Assyria); a bear (Persia); a leopard with four wings and four heads (the Macedon of Alexander); and a creature with iron teeth and ten horns (the Roman Empire). According to Daniel, after the passing of the last of these empires that an everlasting kingdom of saints would be established.
The plate was published in 'Antiquae Urbis Splendor' by Giacomo Laura (1583-1650), a series of views of Roman antiquities and allegorical plates, first published 1612-28.


Stock ID : 22218