The Crossing of the Red Sea (Lunette or Fan?) 1700 - 1800

This delicate drawing, "The Crossing of the Red Sea," of unknown date and maker, is rendered in pen and brown ink on paper. The shape is intriguing. Is it a lunette, intended for the curved space above a doorway? Or perhaps a design for a fan? Whatever the purpose, the artist took full advantage of the form. The paper itself, though unassuming, is the support for a dynamic composition, mirroring the biblical narrative. On the left, we see the chaotic rush of the parting waters swallowing Pharaoh's army. To the right, the Israelites scramble to safety. The artist’s assured handling of the pen brings immediacy to the scene. The swirling lines of the waves contrast with the more controlled hatching used to define the figures. Though simple, these marks evoke a sense of depth and movement. This drawing reminds us that even the humblest materials, when combined with skillful execution, can powerfully communicate complex narratives.