Joseph Hirsch's painting Daniel was painted in 1976-1977. In 1978, at the 153rd Annual Exhibition of the National Academy of Design, she won the inaugural Benjamin Altman Prize (Figure). It measures 38 inches by 45 inches (96.52 cm x 114.3 cm) and is surrounded by a five-inch gilded wooden frame. The medium is oil on canvas. Everything in the painting is centered to draw your eye to the action of the turned head and pointing finger. According to the label next to the painting, this is a modern version of the biblical story of the feast of Belshazzar after the dismissal of Jewishism from the Book of Daniel. From this point on, each character in the painting will be addressed as Hirsch intended. The painting represents a seated king, a dozing courtesan and Daniel. The three characters are the central point of the composition. Hirsch uses a strong color palette to give the painting a luxurious and rich feel. Even if the detail is not tiny, the composition as a whole is easily understood. The use of oil paint allowed Hirsch to play with the composition as it was created. The paint shows no visible signs of cracking like other oil paints. It appears to be as alive today as it was when it was originally painted. A good example of this is the color of the chairs. Fuchsia is the first color that attracts attention. From there, the composition jumps out at you. The king's ruffled shirt shows Hirsch's use of impasto. Impasto is a technique used in painting, where paint is applied to the canvas thick enough so that the brush or paint knife strokes are visible. The brushstrokes are similar to Leonardo's sfumato technique, but reminiscent of Raphéal's use of colors. The lines are soft along the edges, giving them a hazy appearance...... middle of paper...... only smoke rises. On the left side of the courtesan is a man's arm holding a lit cigar. On the table are a bowl of fruit and an ice bucket with wine. The sight of the painting evokes all the senses. The smell is the first that comes to mind as the smoke from the candle rises, the burning smell reaches the noise as well as the lit cigar. The fruity smell overshadows that of chicken and peas. The sound of a tray falling and the shattering of glass as it hits the floor causes everyone to turn to the right. People talk to each other to be heard. All the senses are engaged when looking at the painting. As Hirsch intended, the painting is intended to teach a lesson of judgment and retribution. Hirsch's painting shows how we as humans are susceptible to greed and it is something we must overcome, otherwise we will be judged and punished..