Artwork

The Baptism of Christ; Pharoah Passing through the Red Sea; Joshua and Caleb

The Baptism of Christ; Pharoah Passing through the Red Sea; Joshua and Caleb is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Netherlandish 15th Century. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This woodcut page, executed as a block‑book illustration on laid paper, combines three biblical episodes within a single composition.

About this work

Overview

This woodcut page, executed as a block‑book illustration on laid paper, combines three biblical episodes within a single composition. The upper panel presents a figure framed by a doorway, the central panel depicts a baptism scene with an angel hovering above the central figure and attendants on either side, and the lower panel shows a solitary figure standing beneath an archway.

Subject & Meaning

The three narratives draw from distinct scriptural sources: the baptism of Christ, the Exodus crossing of the Red Sea, and the biblical figures Joshua and Caleb. By juxtaposing these events, the print underscores themes of divine intervention, covenantal promise, and the faithful perseverance of Israel’s leaders.

Technique & Style

Carved in relief on a wooden block, the image relies on dense line work and cross‑hatching to render texture and depth. The use of laid paper, with its visible chain lines, accentuates the crispness of the incised lines, while the overall composition balances a straightforward, almost schematic representation with intricate detailing typical of early Renaissance woodcut prints.

History & Provenance

Produced as part of a block‑book—a popular format for disseminating religious texts in the late medieval and early Renaissance periods—the print reflects the era’s demand for portable, illustrated devotional material. While the specific printer and date remain unidentified, such works were commonly circulated in Northern Europe before reaching collections such as the National Gallery of Art in Washington.