Moses Telling the Israelites to Gather Manna and Moses Striking the Rock 1510 - 1576

Giulio Bonasone made this print, Moses Telling the Israelites to Gather Manna and Moses Striking the Rock, sometime in the 16th century. The image combines two scenes from the Book of Exodus. In one, Moses instructs the Israelites to gather manna, the miraculous food God provided in the desert. In the other, Moses strikes a rock with his staff, bringing forth water for the thirsty people. This print reflects the culture of Renaissance Italy, where artists looked to the Bible and classical antiquity for their subjects. Bonasone was a printmaker working in Bologna, a city known for its university and its strong tradition of religious art. Prints like this one played an important public role. They were a primary means of disseminating images and ideas and served as vehicles for both devotion and instruction. To understand this work more fully, one might research the history of printmaking in Italy, the influence of the Bible on Renaissance art, and the social functions of religious imagery. By exploring these avenues, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich historical context of this print.