“Passage of the Jews through the Red Sea,” created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1891, is a remarkable example of Romanticism within the religious painting genre. The artwork poignantly captures the biblical narrative of the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, dramatically illustrating the moment they traverse the parted waters of the Red Sea.
This artwork reveals a breathtaking scene marked by a stark contrast between the tumultuous, darkened skies and the calm water that Moses and the Israelites pass through. The left side of the painting is dominated by the chaotic, stormy sea with Pharaoh’s soldiers struggling amidst the crashing waves and splashing waters. The divine light breaking through the clouds provides an ethereal illumination that guides the Israelites. The right side of the artwork portrays Moses leading the people with an outstretched arm, expressing a mix of determination and divine intervention. The serene, orderly progression of the Jews is a powerful juxtaposition against the frantic despair of the Egyptians. The entire composition serves as a profound visual allegory of faith and deliverance.
