Artwork
The Submersion of Pharoah's Army in the Red Sea
The Submersion of Pharoah's Army in the Red Sea is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Titian. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1514, this woodcut portrays the biblical episode in which the Egyptian army is engulfed by the Red Sea, as recounted in Exodus. Executed early in the artist’s career, the print demonstrates a sophisticated handling of narrative space, arranging figures and architecture within a turbulent seascape.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the moment of divine deliverance, showing soldiers and horses struggling amid rising waters while a distant city skyline looms behind them. The chaotic composition underscores the catastrophic defeat of Pharaoh’s forces and the salvation of the Israelites.
Technique & Style
Rendered in woodcut, the work relies on a limited palette of grays and whites, employing strong contrasts and fine line work to suggest depth and movement. The carving creates a textured surface that enhances the sense of swirling water and the tension of the figures.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Titian, a leading Venetian painter born in Pieve di Cadore, the print belongs to his early output before his fame in oil painting. It reflects his early experimentation with printmaking as a means of disseminating religious narratives.
Context
Produced during the High Renaissance, the piece aligns with contemporary interest in biblical subjects and the use of prints to reach a broader audience. Its compositional vigor mirrors the period’s emphasis on dynamic storytelling and dramatic perspective.
Artist & collection
Artist
Tiziano Vecellio (Italian: ; c. 1488/1490 – 27 August 1576), Latinized as Titianus, hence known in English as Titian ( TISH-ən), was an Italian Renaissance painter. The most important artist of Renaissance Venetian…
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