Description
The painting "The Gathering of the Manna" by Italian artist Bernardino Luini is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece currently in the collection of the National Gallery in London. The work, which measures 198 x 182 cm, was painted around 1520 and represents a biblical episode from the Old Testament in which God provides the Israelites with manna during their exodus from the desert.
One of the most interesting aspects of this painting is Luini's artistic style, which combines elements of the Italian Renaissance with the Lombard tradition. The central figure, Moses, is rendered with astonishing realism, while the landscape behind him shows detailed attention to nature and light. The composition of the work is also remarkable, with a diagonal that runs through the painting from the lower left corner to the center, guiding the viewer's eye through the scene.
The use of color in "The Gathering of the Manna" is another highlight. Luini uses a soft and delicate palette, with pastel shades of pink, blue and green that create a calm and serene atmosphere. The artist also uses the sfumato technique, which gives the painting a soft, blurred effect.
The story behind the painting is also interesting. It was commissioned by Cardinal Federico Borromeo for the church of San Francesco Grande in Milan, where it was located on the high altar. The work was transferred to the National Gallery in London in the 19th century, after being acquired by the famous British art collector William Holwell Carr.
Finally, there is a little-known aspect of the painting that deserves mention: the figure of Moses at the center of the work is actually a portrait of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan who ruled during the time when Luini was active. This demonstrates the artist's ability to create a convincing and realistic image of a biblical character using a contemporary model.