Joshua and the Israelites Crossing the Jordan

Joshua and the Israelites Crossing the Jordan, attributed to the circle of Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael (Italian, 1483-1520), is a profound 16th-century drawing interpreting the pivotal biblical moment detailed in the Book of Joshua. This foundational narrative describes the miraculous parting of the river, enabling the Israelites, led by Joshua, to enter the Promised Land, marking a dramatic transition in their sacred history. Executed during the High Renaissance or early Mannerist period (1500-1599) in Italy, the work reflects the compositional grandeur and rhetorical clarity associated with the master draftsman.

The drawing is classified as a study, meticulously rendered using pen and brown ink. The artist enriched the scene with brush and brown wash, carefully modeling the figures and emphasizing the dramatic scale of the event. A key technical feature is the use of lead white heightening applied to blue laid paper, a sophisticated technique designed to maximize contrast and luminosity against the cool background. This layering of mediums, subsequently laid down on ivory laid paper, speaks to the drawing’s importance, perhaps serving as a preliminary sketch for a fresco or an independent cabinet piece for a collector.

Although created after Raphael’s death, the design likely originates from a lost composition by the master or his immediate studio, a common practice ensuring the continuation of his influence. The resulting style, characterized by monumental figures and tightly controlled movement, was widely disseminated across Europe. The influence of Raphael was often spread through reproductive prints, making compositions like this foundational for subsequent generations of artists. This historical piece resides within the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, providing invaluable insight into Italian draftsmanship of the era. Works of this antiquity often enter the public domain, allowing high-quality prints to be studied globally.