Passage of the Red Sea Bernardino (Bernardino de Scapis) Luini (c.1480-1532)

The diptych presents a dramatic narrative unfolding across two panels, centered around a catastrophic event involving water and human figures. The composition is dominated by a turbulent body of water, rendered in muted tones of grey and green, suggesting both depth and ominous power. A palpable sense of chaos pervades the scene; individuals are depicted struggling within the waves, their postures conveying desperation and fear.
On the left panel, we observe a mass of figures and vehicles being engulfed by the rising waters. The artist has meticulously detailed the overturned chariots, their wheels jutting out from the surface, emphasizing the scale of the disaster. Several men appear to be actively attempting to regain control or salvage possessions, while others are clearly succumbing to the force of the water. A sense of overwhelming loss and destruction is conveyed through the scattered objects and the frantic gestures of those caught within the deluge.
The right panel shifts the focus slightly, presenting a group of figures standing on higher ground, seemingly observing the unfolding tragedy. One figure, prominently positioned with an outstretched arm, appears to be gesturing towards the scene, perhaps in supplication or lamentation. The expressions on the faces of these onlookers are difficult to discern precisely, but they suggest a mixture of awe and sorrow. A single palm tree stands tall behind them, offering a visual anchor amidst the turmoil and potentially symbolizing hope or divine intervention.
The artist’s use of perspective is notable; the receding shoreline in both panels creates a sense of depth and emphasizes the vastness of the water. The limited color palette reinforces the somber mood, while the meticulous rendering of details – the folds of clothing, the expressions on faces, the texture of the waves – contributes to the overall realism and emotional impact of the work.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of divine power, human vulnerability, and the consequences of transgression. The catastrophic event serves as a visual metaphor for punishment or retribution, while the figures on higher ground represent those who have been spared, perhaps through faith or obedience. The composition invites contemplation about mortality, suffering, and the precariousness of existence in the face of overwhelming forces.