Aivazovsky (Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky)

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-05 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-03-01

Overview

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817-1900) was a Russian Romantic painter considered one of the greatest marine artists in history. Marie attended his exhibition at Hôtel Chauvain in Nice on March 1, 1874.

Biography

• Born in Feodosia, Crimea, to an Armenian family
• Studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg
• Became the main painter of the Russian Navy
• Created over 6,000 paintings during his career, predominantly seascapes

Artistic Style

Famous for his ability to capture light on water and dramatic maritime scenes. His paintings often depicted:

• Stormy seas and shipwrecks
• Moonlit seascapes
• Naval battles
• Coastal views of the Black Sea and Mediterranean

International Recognition

By the 1870s, Aivazovsky had achieved international fame, exhibiting throughout Europe. His exhibitions in places like Nice attracted aristocratic and artistic audiences.

References in Diary

• March 1, 1874: Exhibition of marine paintings at Hôtel Chauvain in Nice; Marie notes "some very beautiful ones"

Related Entries

• #Hotel_Chauvain - Exhibition venue
• #Russia - Artist's homeland

%% RSR: Marie spells it "Aïvazowsky" - common French transliteration of the period %%