The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) is a monumental woodcut dating from 1514-1515. Created early in the artist’s career, this large-scale print is a hallmark of the Venetian Renaissance. As one of the most complex and ambitious woodcuts produced in Italy during the period, the work immediately established Titian's reputation not only as a painter but also as a master designer for the graphic arts.

The subject illustrates the dramatic Old Testament moment from the Book of Exodus, where the Red Sea parts to allow the Israelites safe passage, before crashing down upon the pursuing Egyptian army. Titian’s design emphasizes the chaos and desperation of Pharaoh’s drowning forces, contrasting sharply with the sense of divine order shown on the far shore. The sheer detail achieved in the woodcut medium, requiring collaborative efforts with specialized block cutters, demonstrates the revolutionary complexity Titian brought to the format. This piece is significant because it elevated prints from mere reproductive illustrations to major works of independent artistic merit.

This exceptional example of early 16th-century Italian printmaking resides within the distinguished collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Submersion of Pharaoh’s Army in the Red Sea is often featured in scholarly exhibitions concerning Renaissance prints. While original impressions of this powerful biblical scene are exceedingly rare, Titian’s influential design remains widely accessible through the availability of high-resolution digital imagery and quality prints made available through the public domain.