The artwork “Gathering of Manna” by Nicolas Poussin is a quintessential example of the Classical style, painted circa 1637 using oil on canvas. The substantial size of this piece measures 149 by 200 centimeters and falls within the genre of religious painting. Currently, this significant historical artwork is housed at the Louvre in Paris, France. The scene depicted is one of deep religious significance, illustrating a biblical event where the Israelites receive manna from heaven as described in the Book of Exodus.
In the artwork, a multitude of figures is spread across a rocky landscape under a sky that transitions from a deep, cloud-filled blue to a lighter, dawn-like hue at the horizon. The foreground is bustling with activity as figures engage in collecting the miraculous manna that has descended from the heavens, signified by the small, white coriander seed-like flakes scattered across the ground and gathered in cloths and baskets. The varied postures and expressions of the people convey a sense of awe, desperation, and gratitude, embodying the significance of the divine intervention in their time of need.
The composition is marked by a sense of order and balance characteristic of Poussin’s classical approach, with each figure calibrated to contribute to the overall harmony and narrative clarity of the scene. The use of light accentuates certain individuals and guides the viewer’s eye through the canvas, creating a dynamic yet cohesive depiction of this sacred event. The painting serves as a timeless representation of faith, divine providence, and human dependence on a higher power.
