Artwork
Gathering Manna
Gathering Manna is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1499 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The artwork titled "Gathering Manna" is a vibrant stained glass panel that illustrates a biblical narrative.
The artwork titled "Gathering Manna" is a vibrant stained glass panel that illustrates a biblical narrative. It features two central male figures set within a densely populated and colorful scene. The composition is characterized by its bright palette, incorporating prominent reds, yellows, and greens, and the distinct visual separation of its glass components. The piece conveys a moment of divine provision through its detailed rendering.
Subject & Meaning
This panel depicts the miraculous event from the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites receive manna, a heavenly food, during their journey through the wilderness. An older, bearded figure on the left, holding a staff, likely represents Moses. To his right, a younger man kneels, presenting a bowl filled with the round, white manna. The scene emphasizes divine sustenance and the covenant between God and his people, a recurring theme in religious art.
Technique & Style
Rendered in stained glass, the artwork utilizes sharp, clear lines to define forms and delineate the individual pieces of colored glass. The composition is rich with detail, featuring a busy background populated by numerous smaller figures, which contributes to the scene's dynamic quality. Bright, saturated colors enhance the narrative's visual impact, while the patterned robe of the older figure and the detailed yet simple attire of the younger man add textural interest to the overall design.
Artist & collection
Right wing of an altarpiece with the gathering of manna (inner wing) and Ecclesia (outer wing)
Roundel with Christ before Pilate
Roundel with Martyrdom of Saint Jacobus Intercisus
Roundel with Joseph Buying Corn in Egypt
Roundel with Playing at Quintain
Roundel with Return of the Prodigal Son
Saint Martin Dividing His Cloak
The Circumcision
Storing up Manna