Joseph Hirsch's painting Daniel was painted in 1976-1977. In 1978, during the 153rd annual exhibition of the National Academy of Design, he won the first prize Benjamin Altman (Figure). It measures 38 inches by 45 inches (96.52 cm x 114.3 cm) with a five-inch gilt wood frame surrounding it. The medium is oil on canvas. Everything within the painting is centered to draw the eye to the action of the turning head and pointing finger. According to the sign next to the painting this is a modern version of the biblical story of Belshazzar's banquet following the plundering of the Gesuality from the Book of Daniel. From this point on, each figure within the painting will be addressed as Hirsch intended. The painting depicts a seated king, a dozing courtesan and Daniel. The three figures are the focal point of the composition. Hirsch uses a strong color palette to give the painting a luxurious and rich feel. Although the details are not tiny, the composition as a whole is easily understandable. The use of oil paint allowed Hirsch to play with the composition as it was created. The paint has no visible signs of cracking like other oil paintings. It appears to be as vibrant 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 we are attracted to. From there the composition catches your eye. The king's ruffled shirt shows Hirsch's use of impasto. Impasto is a technique used in painting, in which color is spread onto the canvas thick enough to make the strokes of the brush or knife visible. The brush strokes are similar to Leonardo's fugato technique, but are reminiscent of Raphael's use of color. The strokes are soft around the edges giving them a hazy appearance... in the center of the paper... only smoke rises. On the left side of the courtesan is the arm of a man holding a lit cigar. On the table there is a bowl of fruit and an ice bucket with wine. The vision of the painting brings to mind all the senses. Smell is the first to come to mind as the smoke from the candle rises, the smell of burning reaches the noise as well as the lit cigar. The fruity smell overshadows that of the chicken and peas. The sound of a tray falling and the breaking of glass hitting the floor causes everyone to turn to the right. People talking to each other to be heard. All the senses are fulfilled while looking at the painting. As Hirsch intended, the painting is meant to teach a lesson in judgment and punishment. 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.