Verzamelen van het manna 1656 - 1706

Étienne Gantrel created this print, "Verzamelen van het manna", around the turn of the 18th century. The scene depicts the Israelites gathering manna, the miraculous food provided by God during their journey in the desert. Made in France, this image operates within a cultural context deeply shaped by religious belief and royal power. The print visualizes a biblical episode, reinforcing the importance of faith and divine providence, but also speaks to France's own social hierarchy. The act of collecting manna can be seen as a metaphor for the distribution of resources, perhaps subtly commenting on the inequalities of French society under Louis XIV. Royal patronage of the arts often served to legitimize the king's authority. Understanding this print requires looking into both religious texts and the social conditions of 17th-century France, to fully grasp its meaning as a reflection of its time. The study of the artwork offers a view into the complex relationship between art, power, and social commentary.