Verzamelen van het manna 1680 - 1725

This engraving at the Rijksmuseum depicts the biblical scene of the Israelites gathering manna in the desert, a divine provision during their exodus. The falling manna, like rain from the heavens, becomes a symbol of God's direct intervention and care. Consider its echoes in other narratives: the golden rain of Danaë, or even the alchemical quest for the philosopher's stone, which promises sustenance and transformation. These symbols reappear throughout history, each time filtered through new cultural lenses. The act of collecting itself—reaching, grasping, and containing—mirrors humanity's primal drive to secure survival and meaning. The outstretched hands evoke a collective memory of dependence and gratitude. The image engages us on a visceral level, tapping into our subconscious awareness of need and the relief of provision. This motif of divine sustenance is not linear. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, reflecting humanity's ever-changing relationship with faith, nature, and the unknown.