The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea by Titian is a monumental early work, executed as a woodcut print between 1514 and 1515. This complex and dramatic composition illustrates the biblical moment from the Book of Exodus when the pursuing Egyptian army is swallowed by the returning waters of the Red Sea after the Israelites, led by Moses, safely complete their passage. Though known primarily for his revolutionary oil paintings, the Venetian master Titian significantly influenced the world of graphic arts, using large-scale prints to disseminate his designs and expand his market appeal across Italy and Europe.

As one of the most ambitious Italian prints of the High Renaissance, this woodcut is notable for its immense scale and the density of figures, requiring sophisticated collaboration with a specialist block cutter to translate Titian’s dynamic drawing style into the heavy lines of the medium. The energy of the scene is palpable, showing drowning men and horses caught in the swirling chaos of the water, contrasted with the calm, divine power evident in the upper portion of the work.

This piece demonstrates the ambitious scope that Venetian artists brought to the printmaking classification during the 16th century. The sheer magnitude of this print was designed to appeal to a broad public market. This significant example of Italian Renaissance prints currently resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Due to its historical importance and age, high-resolution reproductions of this woodcut are often available through public domain collections, ensuring its accessibility for ongoing scholarship.