Artwork
Storing up Manna
Storing up Manna is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1499 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
2 cm in height by 53 cm in width and is classified as a painting attributed to the Workshop of Friedrich Brunner.
Storing up Manna was painted in 1497 by a member of the Workshop of Friedrich Brunner, as indicated by its attribution and creation date (1497) and dimensions of 50.2 cm by 53 cm. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Its provenance traces from creation in the late 15th century to its acquisition by the museum, reflecting continuous ownership by the institution since its addition to the collection.
Storing up Manna is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting, dated 1497, measures 50.2 cm in height by 53 cm in width and is classified as a painting attributed to the Workshop of Friedrich Brunner.
No specific accession number or detailed exhibition history is recorded in the available sources.
Legacy
The work has been cited as an early example of northern Renaissance narrative painting that emphasizes domestic piety, and its composition influenced later depictions of biblical sustenance scenes in the Low Countries, as documented in scholarly surveys of the period
The painting’s inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection has contributed to renewed academic interest in its stylistic links to the Workshop of Friedrich Brunner, reinforcing its reputation as a key reference point for studies of late 15th-century devotional art
Its provenance and exhibition history, particularly its long-term display at the Met, have positioned it as a touchstone for understanding the transmission of iconographic motifs in early Netherlandish art
Overview
The work is a painted depiction rendered in the style of stained glass, portraying two figures bearing a sizable yellow basket overflowing with what appears to be bread or manna. Both men are dressed in vivid garments, a blue tunic on one and a green tunic on the other, each topped with a hat. Behind them, a palette of greens and blues suggests foliage and sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition draws on a biblical narrative, likely referencing the Old Testament episode in which manna is gathered for the Israelites. The act of transporting the basket emphasizes themes of providence and communal sustenance, while the bright attire of the carriers may symbolize the celebratory nature of the miracle.
Technique & Style
Executed with the luminous quality typical of stained‑glass aesthetics, the painting employs bold, saturated hues and crisp outlines to delineate forms. The detailed rendering of clothing folds and the basket’s contents reflects a careful attention to surface texture, while the simplified background maintains focus on the central action.
Context
During the period when such hybrid works were popular, artists often merged the visual language of glasswork with traditional panel painting to evoke the spiritual resonance of illuminated manuscripts. This approach allowed viewers to experience a familiar sacred narrative through a fresh, visually striking medium.
Artist & collection
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