Moses and the Gathering of the Manna c. 18th century

Curator: This is Pietro Antonio Novelli's drawing, "Moses and the Gathering of the Manna," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as a study, a tonal wash drawing, with a dramatic composition. The figures are actively gathering something. Curator: Indeed. Novelli captures the biblical scene of the Israelites collecting manna from heaven. Consider the expressive lines, the way he uses washes to create depth and shadow. Editor: The classical architecture juxtaposed with the frantic gathering… it presents an interesting tension between divine provision and human action. This work underscores the importance of social welfare in the face of scarcity. Curator: Precisely. It is in the interplay of line and form that we find the drama of faith meeting necessity. Editor: A fascinating insight into the role of art in conveying social messages.