Oil on canvas
Russia, 1895
Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817-1900) – Russian marine painter
Signed with monogram lower right ‘A’
On reverse in Cyrillic signed and dated ‘Aivazovskij 1895‘
Certificate by Mr. Ivan Samarine, London, dated October 2014. The painting has been recorded in the archives of Aivazovsky paintings under the unique reference number CS-1895 011.
Overall dimensions: 16.5 x 27.5 cm
Very good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Berlin; according to the previous owner’s information the painting has belonged to the family’s estate since the early 20th century. The grandparents/ancestors had initially been active at the tsar’s court and probably moved to Germany in the 1920s
Aivazovsky was specialized in the depiction of atmospheric seascapes; comparable small-sized compositions fetch up to around €210,000 at international auctions

The present painting is an impressive example of the artistic output of the Russian artist Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky and dates to 1895. The charming small-sized compositions are typical for the artist’s later artistic period and captures the atmosphere of two large ships disappearing behind the hazy light of the morning sun, while a small rowing boat transfers to the beach. The painting is presented in a golden stucco frame that probably dates from around 1900.

The painting is signed with monogram lower right ‘A’. On reverse the canvas is signed and dated in Cyrillic ‘Aivazovskij 1895‘. Inspection under UV light reveals light areas of retouching to the sky and to the upper edge. The paint surface is affected by areas of light craquelure. The stretcher measures 16.5 x 27.5 cm. The stucco frame only shows small traces of age and use and measures 30 x 40 cm.

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817-1900)

The marine painter Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky was of Armenian descent and was born in Feodosija in the Crimea. Thanks to the permission of Tsar Nicholas I., he received his first artistic training at the Russian Academy of Arts, which was followed by further classes under the landscape painter Maxim Worobjow (1787-1855) at the Arts Academy in St. Petersburg. From 1839 to 1844, Aivazovsky traveled with further support by the Tsar to Europe and studied intensively the masterpieces in Venice, Florence and Rome. Aivazovsky finally became a full member of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg and was appointed Professor at the age of thirty. He frequently traveled to art centers such as Paris and Constantinople. Works by Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky can be found in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and in the Aivazovsky Museum in Feodosia in the Crimea. (cbo)

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