Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Private collection, Europe
Christie's London, Imperial and Post-Revolutionary Russian Art, 10 October 1990, lot 210
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

I.Samarine and G.Caffiero, Seas, Cities and Dreams: The Paintings of Ivan Aivazovsky, London: Alexandria Press, 2000, p.137, pl.85
S.Khachatrian, Aivazovsky: Well-Known and Unkown, Samara: Agni Publishing House, 2000, p.151, illustrated
S.Khachatrian, Hovhannes Aivazovsky, Yerevan: Tigran Mets Publishing House, 2011, p.256, illustrated
I.Samarine and G.Caffiero, Light, Water and Sky, The Paintings of Ivan Aivazovsky, London: Alexandria Press, 2012, p.321, listed and illustrated

The canvas has been lined. There are frame abrasions along the edges and craquelure thoughout the paint surface. Inspection under UV light shows small areas of retouching to the left of the cliffs, to the centre of the canvas, to the shipwreck, along the edges as well as some scattered retouching in other areas. Held in a carved wooden frame. Unexamined out of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Among Aivazovsky’s most recognisable paintings are those depicting the relentless waves of a stormy sea in which man is pitched against the elements, often in futile struggle. His storm pictures surge with energy and Shipwreck on a Stormy Morning is one of the artist’s strongest works on this theme ever to come to auction. The atmosphere is thick with a fast-approaching storm and the sky is heavy with dark, rolling clouds. Aivazovsky depicts an agitated sea through use of carefully applied colour washes allowing light to permeate the surface. A combination of creamy whites and bottle-green pigments show a sea that is churning with impending doom, and the ship and figures that are washed ashore are significantly dwarfed by the mountains and the sea.

The present work is included in the numbered archive of the artist’s work compiled by Gianni Caffiero and Ivan Samarine.