The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea is a dramatic and monumental woodcut, published by Domenico dalle Greche, after a design by the renowned Italian master, Titian (Italian, c. 1488-1576). Created during the pivotal years between 1510 and 1520, this large-scale print exemplifies the ambitious visual narrative techniques emerging from Venice during the early Renaissance. Executed as a woodcut in black ink on ivory laid paper, the technical skill required to translate Titian’s complex composition into a relief print is remarkable.

The subject illustrates the harrowing climax of the Book of Exodus, capturing the moment the pursuing Egyptian soldiers, chariots, and horses are overwhelmed by the returning waters of the Red Sea. The turbulent scene is crowded with figures struggling against the torrent, emphasizing the divine power described in the biblical account. While the original design is clearly based on Titian's highly charged style—full of movement and psychological intensity—the intricate carving was entrusted to the skilled hand of Domenico dalle Greche, a key figure in the dissemination of high-quality prints throughout Italy.

This significant work is classified as a historic print and resides in the distinguished permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Large-format prints like this were crucial in spreading the influence of Venetian painting across Europe, acting as portable alternatives to monumental canvases. Today, because of its age and importance to the history of graphic arts, high-resolution versions of this masterwork often enter the public domain, ensuring these historically significant prints remain accessible for scholarly study and public appreciation worldwide.