The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

"The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea," a monumental woodcut executed in black on ivory laid paper, was created between 1510 and 1520, following a design attributed to the celebrated Italian master, Titian. This ambitious print was published by Domenico dalle Greche, who translated the High Renaissance painter’s dynamic design into the complex relief printing medium. The composition illustrates the dramatic climax of the Book of Exodus, capturing the moment the pursuing Egyptian army, their soldiers and chariots, are engulfed by the returning waters of the Red Sea, emphasizing divine intervention and salvation.

The print represents a high achievement in early sixteenth-century Italian graphic arts, reflecting the expansive scale and narrative vigor preferred by Titian and the Venetian school. The sheer size of the print demanded sophisticated technical collaboration, requiring multiple blocks to be meticulously cut and printed to form a seamless image. This complexity elevated the status of prints during this period, establishing them as significant artistic statements rather than mere reproductions. The work showcases Titian’s mastery of figure placement and dramatic motion, evident in the struggling horses and soldiers overwhelmed by the deluge. As a foundational example of Renaissance printing, this work provides valuable insight into the collaboration between designer and publisher in early modern Italy. Today, this key piece of art history is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.