Moses showing the quails to the Israelites (the miracle of the quails and manna) 1540 - 1550

Andrea Schiavone created this pen and brown ink drawing, “Moses Showing the Quails to the Israelites,” sometime in the 16th century. Schiavone, born Andrea Meldola, lived during a time when Venice was a hub of artistic and cultural exchange. Here, Schiavone depicts a biblical scene, but his focus seems to be on the emotional and physical experience of the figures. The Israelites, newly freed from slavery, are shown receiving miraculous sustenance in the desert. Look closely and you will see their expressions of awe, relief, and gratitude. Schiavone lived and worked in a society deeply shaped by religious beliefs. This drawing isn't just an illustration; it's an invitation to reflect on themes of deliverance, dependence, and divine providence. How does it make you think about your own relationship to faith, community, and the unexpected gifts that life sometimes offers?