The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea is a monumental woodcut executed by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) between 1514 and 1515. This complex work, a hallmark of Renaissance printmaking in Italy, depicts the dramatic biblical narrative from the Book of Exodus. Although primarily known for his prolific output in painting, Titian engaged heavily with the medium of the woodcut, collaborating closely with master block cutters to translate his detailed compositions into large-scale prints suitable for widespread distribution. This specific piece is recognized as one of the largest and most technically ambitious prints created during the Venetian High Renaissance.

The scene captures the apex of the disaster, showing Pharaoh’s chariots, horses, and soldiers overwhelmed by massive, chaotic waves. This intense action contrasts sharply with the static figures of Moses and the Israelites safely observing the destruction from the far shore. The intricate line work and dramatic shading achieved through the challenging woodcut technique demonstrate Titian's ability to command an enormous narrative composition even in black and white. Its sophisticated execution underscored the elevated status of fine art prints during this period. The artwork, an impression of which is housed in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, is a crucial record of early Italian printmaking. Like many historically significant works of this era, high-resolution reproductions of the Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea are often available through public domain resources, ensuring Titian’s influence in graphic media remains globally accessible.