Gathering of the Manna - Johann Sadeler I

A detailed hand-coloured engraving by Johann Sadeler I depicting the biblical scene of the Israelites gathering manna in the desert.

This hand-coloured engraving depicts the biblical account of the Israelites gathering manna in the wilderness, as described in the Book of Exodus. Johann Sadeler I, a member of the prolific Flemish family of engravers, demonstrates the technical precision characteristic of the late sixteenth-century print market. The composition is organised to show various stages of the activity, with figures in the foreground actively collecting the substance into bowls and baskets, while the background reveals a camp of tents set against a mountainous horizon.

The figures exhibit the elongated proportions and expressive poses common to Northern Mannerism. The artist employs a clear narrative structure, guiding the viewer from the foreground groups to the secondary activities occurring further back in the desert. The hand-colouring applied to the print adds a layer of descriptive detail to the garments and the natural environment, distinguishing the various groups of people through their attire. The inclusion of Latin and French text at the base of the image provides the scriptural context, a standard practice for devotional and educational prints of this period.

Sadeler was known for his ability to translate complex compositions into the medium of engraving, often working after designs by other artists. This particular work reflects the interest in biblical history that occupied many printmakers in the Low Countries during the late Renaissance. The scene captures the domesticity of the event, focusing on the communal effort of the Israelites rather than a singular heroic action. The work remains a clear example of the intersection between religious instruction and the burgeoning print trade in Europe, where such images were produced for collectors and those seeking visual aids for theological study.