The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea c. 1515 - 1549

Titian created "The Submersion of Pharaoh's Army in the Red Sea" using woodcut. The composition is dominated by the rhythmic, horizontal lines of the water, rendered with a simplicity that verges on abstraction. This emphasis on line creates a visual texture that evokes the ceaseless, overwhelming nature of the sea. The stark contrast between the detailed waves and the distant, vaguely defined forms hints at a deeper semiotic play. Titian uses the formal elements to draw attention to the power of nature over human constructs. The scene isn't just a representation of a biblical event; it's an exploration of space, form and the sublime. The composition invites us to consider the broader implications of chaos and divine intervention. Titian challenges fixed meanings by allowing the formal elements of the artwork to carry the narrative weight, opening the work to continuous interpretation.