The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

The monumental woodcut, The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea, was executed by Titian between 1514 and 1515. This complex, multi-block print is one of the most ambitious graphic works created in early sixteenth-century Venice. Originating in Italy during the height of the Renaissance, the piece details the dramatic biblical narrative from the Book of Exodus: the destruction of the Egyptian military pursuing Moses and the Israelites. Titian captures the chaos and overwhelming power of the collapsing waters, rendering a scene dominated by figures and horses struggling violently against the flood, all depicted with the energy and dynamism characteristic of the High Renaissance.

Titian, primarily known for his prolific output of oil paintings, engaged deeply with the medium of the woodcut during his early career, often collaborating with specialized block-cutters to translate his elaborate designs into large-scale prints. The sheer physical size and detailed execution of the design required multiple blocks of wood, pushing the technical limits of printmaking at the time and confirming the artist’s mastery across media. This monumental depiction solidified Titian’s reputation not only as a master colorist but also as a designer capable of handling grand historical compositions suitable for wide distribution. The lasting significance of this foundational Renaissance print remains high; a fine impression of this work is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, preserving a vital example of Italian graphic design. Today, high-quality reproductions of this artwork are often available through public domain sources.