Off the Coast of the Caucasus

Ivan Kostiantynovych Aivazovsky (Ovanes Aivazian) was a marine and battle painter of Armenian origin. He was born on 17 (29) July 1817 in the city of Feodosia, Taurida Governorate of the Russian Empire. In addition to maritime subjects, he worked in a wide range of genres, from animal painting and portraiture (including self-portraits) to religious and mythological themes. Aivazovsky created over 6,000 works, including paintings, watercolours, and drawings. His artworks are held in museums and private collections across the world. Over the course of more than 60 years of artistic practice, he participated in over 120 exhibitions, the majority of which were solo shows. Aivazovsky was also known as a philanthropist and served as painter to the Chief Naval Staff. He held the titles of academician, professor, and honorary member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, as well as membership in the academies of arts in Amsterdam, Rome, Paris, Florence, and Stuttgart. From 1833–1837, he studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. His teachers included Maksym Vorobiov, Philipp Tanner, and Oleksandr Sauerweid. From 1840 onwards, he travelled and worked abroad. Upon returning, he settled permanently in Feodosia. He is particularly known for such paintings as "Seashore" (1840), "The Ninth Wave" (1850), "Battle of Chesma" (1848), "Battle of Sinop" (1853), "Siege of Sevastopol" (1854), "Capture of Kars" (1881), "The Black Sea Fleet in Feodosia" (1890), "The Black Sea" (1881), and "Among the Waves" (1898), among many others. He died on 19 April (2 May) 1900 in Feodosia.