Monochrome image depicting the Biblical scene wherein God, depicted with angels atop a cloud at top right, shows the prophet Daniel (dressed in robes, beardless, bottom left), four beasts emerging from the sea (bottom left) representing four great kingdoms that will each rule over the earth in turn. Here, the kingdoms are depicted as (1) a snakelike beast with ten long rib-like spikes crowning its head; (2) a four-headed dragon, each head wearing a crown; (3) a lion, its back to us, with large draconic wings; and (4) a dark bear, with pointed ears and prominent, skull-like teeth. The engraver has paid great attention to the fall of light and shadow, and makes use of chiaroscuro, especially on the beasts and sea. Below the image is the text, "LES QUATRE GRANDS EMPIRES MONTR��S �� DANIEL." and the engraver's name. On the verso is text discussing the structure of governments in French; this passage is reused several times in different publications printed throughout the 19th century.
