Israelites Gathering Manna c. 16th century

Curator: Agostino Veneziano’s print, "Israelites Gathering Manna," presents a dense scene of figures collecting a miraculous bounty. The print, now in the Harvard Art Museums, captures a moment of divine provision. Editor: What strikes me is the almost frantic energy—a flurry of arms and vessels reaching, a sense of desperate need. The etched lines create a scene of immense activity. Curator: It’s interesting to consider how the manna story resonated in the 16th century. Famine and scarcity were real threats. The image might have served as a reminder of God’s power to intervene. Editor: Absolutely. Consider the symbolic weight of the vessels. Each container, whether pot or basket, is a symbol of human dependency and also a representation of potential fulfillment. The overturned urn in the foreground is a particularly potent image of disrupted provision. Curator: The composition does seem to reinforce a social hierarchy, with some figures directing while others gather. Veneziano reflects the political realities of his time. It suggests a very deliberate visual structure. Editor: Perhaps, but it also highlights shared humanity. In their need, they are united. Curator: Indeed. A potent image on many levels. Editor: I agree. It is an intense, unforgettable scene.