Antique Painting The Gathering of Manna Oil on Canvas XVIII Century

Oil on canvas. Central European School, late 17th century. The large scene recounts the biblical episode recounted in the Book of Exodus, the miracle performed by God to help the people of Israel fleeing from Egypt. Since the Israelites could not find food in the desert, God rained manna from the sky every morning, covering the ground like dew and allowing them to collect and eat. However, divine prescription dictated that only what was needed for that day be collected, as a sign of trust in God, who would renew the miracle. In the scene presented here, several women, men, and boys are in the center, using whatever containers they can find to collect the light white powder raining from the sky. A ray of light shining on the scene indicates the divine presence. On the right, Moses and Aaron can be seen watching with satisfaction; on the left, in the background, is the Israelite camp with other figures rushing to collect the manna. While the prophet and the priest wear period-appropriate clothing, the women in the center wear elegant dresses contemporary to the painting. The work shows traces of previous restorations; there are currently tears in the canvas. Presented in a 19th-century-style frame.