The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea

Titian, 1514

MEDIUMwoodcut
DIMENSIONS[object Object]
LOCATIONCleveland Museum of Art

Witness Titian's dramatic retelling of a biblical epic in this powerful woodcut, where the Red Sea swallows Pharaoh's army in a swirling vortex of divine judgment and human despair.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Titian's monumental woodcut, "The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea," created around 1514, is a tour de force of Renaissance printmaking. While Titian is primarily known as a painter, this work demonstrates his mastery of a different medium, showcasing the dynamic energy and dramatic flair characteristic of the Venetian school, where he was the most important artist. This print, depicting the biblical narrative of the Israelites' miraculous escape and the destruction of the pursuing Egyptian army, is a testament to Titian's ambition and skill. It presents a chaotic scene with waves engulfing men and horses, highlighting the divine wrath and the sheer scale of the event. The meticulous detail and powerful composition would have made it a highly influential piece, circulating Titian's artistic vision beyond the confines of painting and reaching a wider audience through its multiple impressions.

ART MOVEMENTS
High Renaissance
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The swirling chaos of the Red Sea engulfing Pharaoh's army.

2

Desperate expressions on the faces of the drowning soldiers.

3

Horses rearing and struggling amidst the waves.

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Audio Deep Dive

Witness Titian's dramatic retelling of a biblical epic in this powerful woodcut, where the Red Sea swallows Pharaoh's army in a swirling vortex of divine judgm…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
Titian 1488–1576 · Republic of Venice

Tiziano Vecellio, Latinized as Titianus, hence known in English as Titian, was an Italian Renaissance painter. The most important artist of Renaissance Venetian painting, he was born in Pieve di Cadore, near Belluno.

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