I think most of you already know how much I love art in general. This post is actually my answer to a friend. And the question was: What is so special about Aivazovsky?
One of the most forged of all Russian painters is Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky and yet his name is quite unknown for many art lovers.
(the portrait of Aivazovsky by Aleksey Tyranov, 1847)
Aivazovsky was of Armenian descent, mostly known by his marvelous seascapes paintings. He has the ability to create interesting atmosphere and many admired his choice and use of colors.
Aivazovsky was obviously enchanted by the sky and sea. His paintings show a great span of a different appearances and sky changes, from pale and misty mornings through storms, clouds and red sunsets. His sea movements are brilliant.
Sky and sea - both endless, both are conveying the feeling of eternity and freedom. And there is always human presence, like small figures by seashores, or indirectly - ships and architecture that emerges from a mists and sunsets.
In essence, I can say that the entire emphasis of his work was actually on light and lighting aspects.
This indeed has connection with Aivazovsky’s character. He loved to travel! At the age of 25 he was already internationally famous painter. Beside, he lived by his ideals – love for a freedom and compassion for the oppressed and less fortunate. He was a great humanist and romantic. Therefore it’s not strange that most of his money went to charity purposes and openings of art school and gallery. His house became a place for artistic pilgrimage and inspiration.
I won’t go into his biographical details, as you might notice already. I’m just trying to answer to the above mentioned question. So, what is so special about Aivazovsky? The fact that one can admire not just his art but also his character and personal philosophy. And that is rare my friend. As the quote on Aivazovsky’s tombstone nicely says: Born a mortal, he left immortal memories.
