Basin or dish with The Gathering of Manna 1615 - 1650

This is Antoine Conrade's 'Basin or dish with The Gathering of Manna', made sometime in the 17th century. The piece uses tin-glazed earthenware, and exemplifies how biblical narratives were interpreted through the lens of the European Renaissance. The scene in the center illustrates a moment from the Book of Exodus, where God provides manna from heaven to feed the Israelites during their journey through the desert. Around the central image we see grotesque figures, masks, and foliage. As this period was marked by religious and political conflict, the choice of this particular scene is quite thought provoking. The gathering of manna is a story about divine providence and community support during hardship. In a world often defined by scarcity and inequality, Conrade’s dish invites us to reflect on how societies provide for their most vulnerable members. It urges us to think about who has access to resources, and the ethical dimensions of care and responsibility.