Inzameling van het manna 1647

Bartholomeus Breenbergh made this pen and wash drawing, "The Gathering of Manna," in 1647. It illustrates a story from the book of Exodus, in which God provides the Israelites with food during their journey through the desert. But Breenbergh's approach isn't simply illustrative. The clothing of Moses and the people in the foreground is idealized, almost theatrical, drawing on conventions used in history painting at the time. It presents the biblical narrative in a way that resonates with contemporary Dutch viewers. We see the influence of artistic institutions in the Netherlands, where there was an interest in depicting biblical stories, which allowed artists to explore themes of divine intervention, community, and leadership. By studying the art and religious history of the Dutch Golden Age, we can better understand how artists like Breenbergh used biblical narratives to engage with the social and cultural values of their time, making this drawing both a religious statement and a reflection of its own historical context.