The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

The Submersion of Pharaoh’s Army in the Red Sea is a monumental woodcut published by Domenico dalle Greche after a design by the master painter Titian (Italian, c. 1488-1576). Created between 1510 and 1520, this intricate piece exemplifies the dynamic collaboration between Venetian painters and professional printmakers during the early 16th century in Italy. The medium, a woodcut rendered in black ink on ivory laid paper, allows for dramatic contrasts and dense detailing, necessary for depicting the chaos and destructive power inherent in the biblical narrative.

The scene depicts the climactic moment from the Book of Exodus when the pursuing Egyptian army is overwhelmed by the returning waters of the Red Sea. While the original composition is attributed to Titian, the complex woodcut technique and sheer scale of the print suggest the expertise of a highly skilled specialist like dalle Greche, who translated the painter's large-scale compositional ideas into the demanding format of the print. This work is notable for being one of the largest Renaissance prints produced, its size allowing for the depiction of vast numbers of figures, horses, and churning water, bringing an epic quality to religious subjects in Italy.

As a historically significant example of Renaissance printmaking, this particular impression of The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea is housed within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The detailed execution confirms the high quality demanded by collectors of prints during this era. Due to the artwork’s age and classification, reproductions of this Titian-designed work are often found in the public domain, making the influential design accessible for research and appreciation worldwide.