Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Sotheby's London, Russian Pictures, Works of Art and Icons, 5 December 1989, Lot 35
Sotheby's London, Icons, Russian Pictures and Works of Art, 17 June 1993, Lot 420

The canvas has been lined. There are lines of craquelure throughout. The paint surface is stable. UV light reveals extensive retouching in a number of areas throughout: through a vertical and horizontal line down the centre of the canvas. There is retouching and infilling to the craquelure in the top left and top right corners, further retouching to the waves in the right hand section, in places along the horizon and in small areas throughout. Held in an ornate gold painted plaster 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."

Though best known for depicting storms and shipwrecks, Aivazovsky was no less a virtuoso of painting the sea at peace. The offered lot represents a crew of sailors approaching land in a rowing boat as two figures greet them at left. Aivazovsky employed this same narrative and balanced structure in multiple compositions during the later part of his career, and for each he re-envisioned his subject with altered palette to create a unique mood and climate on each canvas. The present scene is drenched in tranquil midday sun which dazzles brilliantly on the surface of the water, fading into a softer haze in the background sky. Meanwhile the crashing wave recalls the supreme power of the sea and the perils the sailors leave behind.