Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky: works, biography. Ivan Aivazovsky - paintings, full biography Completion of a career and the last days of the painter

Among the famous marine painters of all times and peoples, it is difficult to find someone who would be more accurate than Aivazovsky in conveying the majestic power and attractive charm of the sea. This the greatest painter The 19th century left us a unique heritage of paintings that can instill a love for the Crimea and a passion for travel to anyone who has not even been to the sea shores. In many ways, the secret lies in the biography of Aivazovsky, he was born and raised in an environment inseparably connected with the sea.

Youth in the biography of Aivazovsky

Describing the biography of Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky, it must first be noted that he was born in Feodosia, on July 17, 1817 in merchant family Armenian origin.

Father - Gevork (in the Russian version Konstantin) Ayvazyan; I.K. Aivazovsky. father portrait	Mother - Hripsime Ayvazyan. I. K. Aivazovsky. mother portrait	Aivazovsky portrayed himself as a boy painting hometown. 1825

At the birth of the boy, they named Hovhannes (this is the Armenian word form male name John), and the modified surname to the future famous artist I got it thanks to my father, who, having moved in his youth from Galicia to Moldova, and then to Feodosia, wrote it down in the Polish manner "Gayvazovsky".

The house in which Aivazovsky spent his childhood stood on the outskirts of the city, on a small hill, from where there was an excellent view of the Black Sea, the Crimean steppes and the ancient mounds located on them. WITH early years the boy was lucky to see the sea in its different characters (kind and formidable), to watch fishing feluccas and large ships. Environment awakened the imagination, and very soon the boy opened artistic ability. The local architect Koch gave him the first pencils, paints, paper and a few first lessons. This meeting was a turning point in the biography of Ivan Aivazovsky.

The beginning of Aivazovsky's biography as a legendary artist

From 1830, Aivazovsky studied at the Simferopol gymnasium, and at the end of August 1833 he went to St. Petersburg, where he entered the then most prestigious Imperial Academy of Arts, and until 1839 he successfully studied the direction of the landscape in the class of Maxim Vorobyov.

The very first exhibition in the biography of Aivazovsky, the artist, which brought fame to the young talent at that time, took place in 1835. Two works were presented at it, and one - "Etude of Air over the Sea" - was awarded a silver medal.

Further, the painter devotes himself more and more to new works, and already in 1837 the famous painting “Calm” brought Aivazovsky the Big Gold Medal. In the coming years, his biography paintings flaunt at the Academy of Arts.

Aivazovsky: biography at the dawn of creativity

Since 1840, the young artist was sent to Italy, this is one of the special periods in the biography and work of Aivazovsky: for several years he improves his skills, studies world art, actively exhibits his work at local and European exhibitions. After receiving a gold medal from the Paris Council of Academies, he returned to his homeland, where he received the title of "academician" and was sent to the Main Naval Headquarters with the task of painting several paintings with different Baltic views. Participation in battle operations helped the already well-known artist write one of the most famous masterpieces- "" in 1848

Two years later, the canvas "" appeared - the most striking event that cannot be missed, even describing the shortest biography of Aivazovsky.

The fifties and seventies of the nineteenth century became the brightest and most fruitful in the career of a painter; Wikipedia describes this period of Aivazovsky's biography quite extensively. In addition, during his life, Ivan Konstantinovich managed to be known as a philanthropist involved in charity, and made a huge contribution to the development of his native city.

At the first opportunity, he returns to Feodosia, where he built a mansion in the style of an Italian palazzo and exhibited his paintings to the audience.

Aivazovsky Feodosia

Ivan Konstantinovich at the dawn of his creative life neglected the opportunity to be close to the king's court. At the Paris World Exhibition, his works were awarded a gold medal, in Holland they were awarded the title of academician. This did not go unnoticed in Russia - the twenty-year-old Aivazovsky was appointed artist of the Main Naval Headquarters, and he received a government order - to paint panoramas of the Baltic fortresses.

Aivazovsky fulfilled the flattering order, but after that he said goodbye to St. Petersburg and returned to Feodosia. All the officials and the capital's painters decided that he was an eccentric. But Ivan Konstantinovich was not going to exchange his freedom for the uniform and carousel of St. Petersburg balls. He needs the sea, sunny beach, streets, he needed sea air for creativity.

One of the sights of the city is the Aivazovsky fountain in Feodosia in the Kirovsky district, to which a water pipe has been laid. The fountain was built with the money of the artist and according to his project, and then donated to the residents.

Not being able to continue to be a witness to the terrible disaster that the population of my native city suffers from lack of water from year to year, I give him 50,000 buckets a day as an eternal property. clean water from the Subash source that belongs to me.

Theodosius was passionately loved by the artist. And the townspeople answered him good feelings: they called Ivan Konstantinovich "the father of the city." They say that the painter liked to give drawings: Aivazovsky's paintings in Feodosia, many residents suddenly ended up in their homes as precious gifts.

Water from the artist's estate came to Feodosia, having passed a 26-kilometer path through a pipeline built by the city.

He opened an art gallery, a library, and a drawing school in his native city. And also became godfather half of the babies of Theodosius, and each allocated a particle from his solid income.

In the life of Ivan Konstantinovich there were many contradictions that did not complicate his life, but made it original. He was a Turk by origin, an Armenian by upbringing, and became a Russian artist. He communicated with Berillov and his brethren, but he himself never went to their parties and did not understand the bohemian lifestyle. He liked to give away his works, and in everyday life he was known as a pragmatic person.

Museum of Antiquities built by Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

Aivazovsky Museum in Feodosia

The Aivazovsky Gallery in Feodosia is one of the oldest museums in the country. It is located in the house where the outstanding marine painter lived and worked. The building was personally designed by Ivan Konstantinovich and built in 1845. Thirty-five years later, Aivazovsky created Big hall attached to it. This room is designed to display his paintings before the paintings were sent to exhibitions in other cities and abroad. 1880 is considered the year of the official founding of the museum. Feodosia Aivazovsky Gallery address: st. Golereinaya, 2.

During the war, the building was destroyed - from a ship's shell.

At the time of the artist, the place was famous far abroad and was unique cultural center in the city. After the death of the painter, the gallery continued to work. By the will of the artist, she became the property of the city, but the local authorities cared little about her. 1921 can rightfully be considered the second birth of the gallery.

In the 19th century, the Aivazovsky art gallery in Feodosia stood out among other architectural structures of the area. The museum stands on the seashore and resembles an Italian villa. This impression is even stronger when the dark red paint on the walls becomes noticeable, the sculptures of the ancient gods in the bays, as well as the gray marble pilasters that go around the facade. Such features of the building are unusual for the Crimea.

Aivazovsky's house, which became an art gallery after his death

When designing the house, the artist thought through the purpose of each room. That is why the reception rooms are not adjacent to the living section of the house, while the artist's room and studio were connected to exhibition hall. Raised ceilings, parquet floors on the second floor and the bays of Feodosia, visible from the windows, create an atmosphere of romanticism.

My sincere desire is that the building of my art gallery in the city of Feodosia with all the paintings, statues and other works of art in it located in this gallery, constitute the full property of the city of Feodosia, and in memory of me, Aivazovsky, I bequeath the gallery to the city of Feodosia, my native city.

The center of Feodosia in the art gallery are 49 canvases left by the painter to the city. In 1922, when the museum opened its doors to Soviet people, there were only these 49 canvases in the collection. In 1923, the gallery received 523 paintings from the collection of the artist's grandson. Later came the work of L. Lagorio and A. Fessler.

The legendary painter died on April 19 (according to the old style), 1900. He was buried in Feodosia, in the courtyard of the medieval Armenian church of Surb Sarkis (Saint Sarkis).

Ivan Aivazovsky is a genius. His paintings are true masterpieces. And not even from the technical side. A surprisingly truthful display of the subtle nature of the water element comes to the fore here. Naturally, there is a desire to understand the nature of Aivazovsky's genius.

Any particle of fate was a necessary and inseparable addition to his talent. In this article, we will try to open the doors to the wonderful world one of the most famous marine painters in history - Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky.

It goes without saying that world-class painting requires great talent. But marine painters have always stood apart. It is difficult to convey the aesthetics of the "big water". The difficulty here, first of all, is that it is on the canvases depicting the sea that falseness is most clearly felt.

Famous paintings by Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky

The most interesting for you!

Family and hometown

Ivan's father was a sociable, enterprising and capable person. For a long time he lived in Galicia, later moved to Wallachia (modern Moldova). Perhaps for some time he traveled with a gypsy camp, because Konstantin spoke gypsy. In addition to him, by the way, this most curious person spoke Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Hungarian, and Turkish.

In the end, fate brought him to Feodosia, which recently received the status of a free port. The city, which until recently had 350 inhabitants, has turned into a lively shopping mall with a population of several thousand people.

From all over the south Russian Empire goods were delivered to the port of Feodosia, and goods from sunny Greece and bright Italy went back. Konstantin Grigorievich, not rich, but enterprising, successfully engaged in trade and married an Armenian woman named Hripsime. A year later, their son Gabriel was born. Konstantin and Hripsime were happy and even began to think about changing housing - a small house built upon arrival in the city became cramped.

But soon the Patriotic War of 1812 began, and after it the plague came to the city. At the same time, another son, Gregory, was born in the family. The affairs of Konstantin went down sharply, he went bankrupt. The need was so great that almost all valuable things had to be sold from the house. The father of the family took up litigious affairs. His beloved wife helped him a lot - Repsime was a skilled needlewoman and often embroidered all night long in order to later sell her products and support her family.

On July 17, 1817, Hovhannes was born, who became known to the whole world under the name of Ivan Aivazovsky (he changed his last name only in 1841, but we will call Ivan Konstantinovich that now, after all, he became famous as Aivazovsky). It cannot be said that his childhood was like a fairy tale. The family was poor and already at the age of 10, Hovhannes went to work in a coffee shop. By that time, the older brother had gone to study in Venice, and the middle one was just getting an education at the district school.

Despite the work, the soul of the future artist really blossomed in the beautiful southern city. Not surprising! Theodosius, despite all the efforts of fate, did not want to lose her brightness. Armenians, Greeks, Turks, Tatars, Russians, Ukrainians - a hodgepodge of traditions, customs, languages ​​created a colorful backdrop for Feodosian life. But in the foreground was, of course, the sea. It is it that brings the very flavor that no one will be able to recreate artificially.

Vanya Aivazovsky's Incredible Luck

Ivan was a very capable child - he himself learned to play the violin and began to draw himself. His first easel was the wall of his father's house; instead of a canvas, he was content with plaster, and a brush replaced a piece of coal. The amazing boy was immediately noticed by a couple of prominent benefactors. First, the Theodosian architect Yakov Khristianovich Kokh drew attention to the drawings of unusual skill.

He gave Vanya the first lessons visual arts. Later, having heard Aivazovsky play the violin, the mayor Alexander Ivanovich Kaznacheev became interested in him. Happened funny story- when Koch decided to present little artist Kaznacheev, he was already familiar with him. Thanks to the patronage of Alexander Ivanovich, in 1830 Vanya entered Simferopol Lyceum.

The next three years were milestone in the life of Aivazovsky. While studying at the Lyceum, he was distinguished from others by an absolutely unimaginable talent for drawing. It was hard for the boy - the longing for his relatives and, of course, the sea affected. But he kept old acquaintances and made new, no less useful ones. First, Kaznacheev was transferred to Simferopol, and later Ivan became a member of the house of Natalya Fedorovna Naryshkina. The boy was allowed to use books and engravings, he constantly worked, looking for new subjects and techniques. Every day the skill of the genius grew.

The noble patrons of Aivazovsky's talent decided to apply for his admission to the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, sent the best drawings to the capital. After reviewing them, the President of the Academy, Alexei Nikolayevich Olenin, wrote to the Minister of the Court, Prince Volkonsky:

“The young Gaivazovsky, judging by his drawing, has an extraordinary disposition for composition, but how, while in the Crimea, he could not be prepared for drawing and painting there, so as not only to be sent to foreign lands and study there without guidance, but even so, in order to enter the full-time academicians of the Imperial Academy of Arts, because on the basis of § 2 of the appendix to its regulations, those who enter must be at least 14 years old.

Draw well, at least from the originals human figure, draw orders of architecture and have preliminary information in the sciences, then, in order not to deprive this young man occasions and ways to develop and improve his natural abilities for art, I considered the only means for this to be the highest permission to appoint him to the academy as a pensioner of his imperial majesty with production for his maintenance and other 600 r. from His Majesty's Cabinet so that it can be brought here at public expense.

The permission requested by Olenin was received when Volkonsky showed the drawings personally to Emperor Nicholas. July 22 Petersburg Academy of Arts accepted a new student. Childhood is over. But Aivazovsky went to St. Petersburg without fear - he truly felt that there were brilliant accomplishments of artistic genius ahead.

Big city - big opportunities

The Petersburg period of Aivazovsky's life is interesting for several reasons at once. Of course, training at the Academy played an important role. Ivan's talent was complemented by such necessary academic lessons. But in this article, I would like first of all to talk about the social circle of the young artist. Truly, Aivazovsky was always lucky with acquaintances.

Aivazovsky arrived in St. Petersburg in August. And although he had heard a lot about the terrible dampness and cold of St. Petersburg, none of this was felt in the summer. Ivan spent the whole day walking around the city. Apparently, the artist's soul filled the longing for the familiar south with beautiful views of the city on the Neva. Aivazovsky was especially struck by the construction of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the monument to Peter the Great. The massive bronze figure of the first emperor of Russia evoked genuine admiration from the artist. Still would! It was Peter who owed the existence of this wonderful city.

Amazing talent and acquaintance with Kaznacheev made Hovhannes a favorite of the public. Moreover, this audience was very influential and helped more than once. young talent. Vorobyov, Aivazovsky's first teacher at the Academy, immediately realized what talent he got. Undoubtedly, these creative people music also brought them together - Maxim Nikiforovich, like his student, also played the violin.

But over time, it became obvious that Aivazovsky outgrew Vorobyov. Then he was sent as a student to the French marine painter Philip Tanner. But Ivan did not get along with the foreigner in character and, due to an illness (either fictional or real), left him. Instead, he began working on a series of paintings for the exhibition. And it must be admitted, the canvases he created are impressive. It was then, in 1835, that he received a silver medal for his works “Etude of the air over the sea” and “View of the seaside in the vicinity of St. Petersburg”.

But alas, the capital was not only a cultural center, but also the epicenter of intrigue. Tanner complained to his superiors about the recalcitrant Aivazovsky, saying that why was his student working for himself during his illness? Nicholas I, a well-known adherent of discipline, personally ordered the removal of the young artist's paintings from the exhibition. It was a very painful blow.

Aivazovsky was not allowed to mope - the entire public vehemently opposed the baseless disgrace. Olenin, Zhukovsky, and the court painter Sauerweid petitioned for Ivan's forgiveness. Krylov himself personally came to comfort Hovhannes: “What. brother, does the Frenchman offend? Eh, what is he ... Well, God bless him! Do not be sad!..". In the end, justice prevailed - the emperor forgave the young artist and ordered to issue an award.

Largely thanks to Sauerweid, Ivan was able to complete a summer internship on the ships of the Baltic Fleet. Created only a hundred years ago, the fleet was already formidable force Russian state. And, of course, for a novice marine painter it was impossible to find a more necessary, useful and enjoyable practice.

To write ships without the slightest idea about their device is a crime! Ivan did not hesitate to communicate with the sailors, to carry out minor assignments for officers. And in the evenings he played his favorite violin for the team - in the middle of the cold Baltic one could hear the enchanting sound of the Black Sea south.

Charming artist

All this time, Aivazovsky did not stop correspondence with his old benefactor Kaznacheev. It was thanks to him that Ivan became a member of the houses of Alexei Romanovich Tomilov and Alexander Arkadyevich Suvorov-Rymniksky, the grandson of the famous commander. At the Tomilovs' dacha, Ivan even spent summer holidays. It was then that Aivazovsky got acquainted with Russian nature, unusual for a southerner. But the artist's heart perceives beauty in any form. Every day spent by Aivazovsky in St. Petersburg or its environs added something new to the attitude of the future maestro of painting.

The color of the then intelligentsia gathered in the Tomilovs' house - Mikhail Glinka, Orest Kiprensky, Nestor Kukolnik, Vasily Zhukovsky. Evenings in such a company were extremely interesting for the artist. Aivazovsky's senior comrades accepted him into their circle without any problems. The democratic tendencies of the intelligentsia and the extraordinary giftedness of the young man allowed him to take a worthy place in the company of Tomilov's friends. In the evenings, Aivazovsky often played the violin in a special, oriental manner - resting the instrument on his knee or standing upright. Glinka even included in his opera "Ruslan and Lyudmila" a small excerpt played by Aivazovsky.

It is known that Aivazovsky was familiar with Pushkin and was very fond of his poetry. The death of Alexander Sergeevich was very painfully perceived by Hovhannes, later he specially came to Gurzuf, exactly to the place where the great poet spent his time. No less important for Ivan was the meeting with Karl Bryullov. Having recently completed work on the canvas “The Last Day of Pompeii”, he arrived in St. Petersburg and each of the students of the Academy passionately wished that Bryullov was his mentor.

Aivazovsky was not a student of Bryullov, but often communicated with him personally, and Karl Pavlovich noted the talent of Hovhannes. Nestor Kukolnik devoted a lengthy article to Aivazovsky precisely at Bryullov's insistence. An experienced painter saw that the subsequent studies at the Academy would be rather a regression for Ivan - there were no teachers left who could give something new to the young artist.

He proposed to the Council of the Academy to shorten Aivazovsky's study period and send him abroad. Moreover, the new marina "Shtil" won a gold medal at the exhibition. And this award just gave the right to travel abroad.

But instead of Venice and Dresden, Hovhannes was sent to the Crimea for two years. It is unlikely that Aivazovsky was not happy - he would be at home again!

Rest…

In the spring of 1838, Aivazovsky arrived in Feodosia. Finally he saw his family, his beloved city and, of course, the southern sea. Of course, the Baltic has its own charm. But for Aivazovsky, it is the Black Sea that will always be the source of the brightest inspiration. Even after such a long separation from his family, the artist puts work first.

He finds time to communicate with his mother, father, sisters and brother - everyone is sincerely proud of Hovhannes, the most promising artist in St. Petersburg! At the same time, Aivazovsky is working hard. He paints canvases for hours, and then, tired, goes to the sea. Here he can feel that mood, that elusive excitement that the Black Sea caused in him from an early age.

Soon the retired Treasurers came to visit the Aivazovskys. He, along with his parents, rejoiced at the success of Hovhannes and first of all asked to see his new drawings. Seeing beautiful works, he immediately took the artist with him on a trip to the southern coast of Crimea.

Of course, after such a long separation, it was unpleasant to leave the family again, but the desire to feel the native Crimea outweighed. Yalta, Gurzuf, Sevastopol - everywhere Aivazovsky found material for new canvases. Treasurers, who left for Simferopol, urged the artist to visit, but he again and again upset the benefactor with a refusal - work is above all.

...before the fight!

At this time, Aivazovsky met another wonderful person. Nikolai Nikolayevich Raevsky - a brave man, an outstanding commander, the son of Nikolai Nikolayevich Raevsky, a hero of the defense of the Raevsky battery in the Battle of Borodino. The lieutenant general participated in the Napoleonic wars, the Caucasian campaigns.

These two people, unlike at first glance, were brought together by love for Pushkin. Aivazovsky, who from an early age admired the poetic genius of Alexander Sergeevich, found a kindred spirit in Raevsky. Long exciting conversations about the poet ended quite unexpectedly - Nikolai Nikolaevich invited Aivazovsky to accompany him on a sea voyage to the shores of the Caucasus and look at the landing of Russian troops. It was an invaluable opportunity to see something new, and even on the much-loved Black Sea. Hovhannes immediately agreed.

Of course, this trip was important in terms of creativity. But even here there were invaluable meetings, to keep silent about which would be a crime. On the ship "Colchis" Aivazovsky met Lev Sergeevich Pushkin, Alexander's brother. Later, when the ship joined the main squadron, Ivan met people who were an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the marine painter.

Switching from Colchis to the battleship Silistria, Aivazovsky was introduced to Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev. A hero of Russia, a participant in the famous Battle of Navarino and a discoverer of Antarctica, an innovator and competent commander, he took a keen interest in Aivazovsky and personally suggested that he switch from Colchis to Silistria to study the intricacies of naval affairs, which would undoubtedly be useful to him in his work. It would seem much further: Lev Pushkin, Nikolai Raevsky, Mikhail Lazarev - some in their entire lives will not meet even one person of this magnitude. But Aivazovsky has a completely different fate.

Later he was introduced to Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, the captain of the Silistria, the future commander of the Russian fleet in the battle of Sinop and the organizer of the heroic defense of Sevastopol. In this brilliant company, the young Vladimir Alekseevich Kornilov, the future vice admiral and captain of the famous sailing ship The Twelve Apostles, did not get lost at all. Aivazovsky worked with a very special passion these days: the atmosphere was unique. Warm surroundings, beloved Black Sea and graceful ships that could be explored to your heart's content.

But now it's time to land. Aivazovsky personally wanted to take part in it. At the last moment, they discovered that the artist was completely unarmed (of course!) And he was given a pair of pistols. So Ivan went down into the landing boat - with a briefcase for papers and paints and pistols in his belt. Although his boat was among the first to moor to the shore, Aivazovsky personally did not observe the battle. A few minutes after the landing, a friend of the artist, midshipman Frederiks, was wounded. Not finding a doctor, Ivan himself provides assistance to the wounded, and then on the boat he is sent to the ship. But upon returning to the shore, Aivazovsky sees that the battle is almost over. He gets to work without a moment's delay. However, let's give the floor to the artist himself, who in the magazine "Kyiv Starina" described the landing almost forty years later - in 1878:

“... The shore illuminated by the setting sun, the forest, the distant mountains, the fleet at anchor, the boats scurrying along the sea maintain communication with the shore ... Having passed the forest, I went to a clearing; here is a picture of rest after a recent combat alarm: groups of soldiers, officers sitting on drums, the corpses of the dead and their Circassian carts who came for cleaning. Having unfolded the briefcase, I armed myself with a pencil and began to sketch one group. At this time, some Circassian unceremoniously took my briefcase from my hands, carried it to show my drawing to his own. Whether the highlanders liked him, I don't know; I only remember that the Circassian returned the drawing to me stained with blood ... This "local color" remained on him, and I for a long time shore is a tangible memory of the expedition ... ".

What words! The artist saw everything - the coast, the setting sun, the forest, the mountains and, of course, the ships. A little later, he wrote one of his best works, Landing at Subashi. But this genius was in mortal danger during the landing! But Fate saved him for further achievements. During the vacation, Aivazovsky was still waiting for a trip to the Caucasus, and hard work on turning sketches into real canvases. But he did it with flying colors. As always, though.

Hello Europe!

Returning to St. Petersburg, Aivazovsky received the title of artist of the 14th grade. Education at the Academy ended, Hovhannes outgrew all his teachers and he was given the opportunity to travel around Europe, of course, with state support. He left with a light heart: earnings allowed him to help his parents, and he himself lived quite comfortably. And although at first Aivazovsky was supposed to visit Berlin, Vienna, Trieste, Dresden, he was most drawn to Italy. There was the much-loved South Sea and the elusive magic of the Apennines. In July 1840, Ivan Aivazovsky and his friend and classmate Vasily Sternberg went to Rome.

This trip to Italy was very useful for Aivazovsky. He received a unique opportunity to study the works of the great Italian masters. For hours he stood by the canvases, sketching them, trying to understand the secret mechanism that made the creations of Raphael and Botticelli masterpieces. I tried to visit many interesting places, for example, the house of Columbus in Genoa. And what landscapes he found! The Apennines reminded Ivan of his native Crimea, but with their own, different charm.

And there was no sense of kinship with the earth. But what opportunities for creativity! And Aivazovsky always took advantage of the opportunities provided to him. A noteworthy fact speaks eloquently about the level of the artist's skill: the Pope himself wanted to buy the painting "Chaos". Someone, but the pontiff is used to getting only the best! The quick-witted artist refused to pay, simply presenting "Chaos" to Gregory XVI. Dad did not leave him without a reward, handing him a gold medal. But the main thing is the effect of a gift in the world of painting - the name of Aivazovsky thundered throughout Europe. For the first time, but not the last time.

In addition to work, however, Ivan had another reason to visit Italy, more precisely Venice. It was there on the island of St. Lazar was lived and worked by his brother Gabriel. Being in the rank of archimandrite, he was engaged in research work and teaching. The meeting of the brothers was warm, Gabriel asked a lot about Theodosius and his parents. But soon they parted. The next time they meet is in Paris in a few years. In Rome, Aivazovsky met Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol and Alexander Andreevich Ivanov. Even here, in a foreign land, Ivan managed to find the best representatives of the Russian land!

Exhibitions of paintings by Aivazovsky were also held in Italy. The audience was invariably delighted and keenly interested in this young Russian, who managed to convey all the warmth of the south. Increasingly, Aivazovsky began to be recognized on the streets, people came to his studio and ordered works. “Gulf of Naples”, “View of Vesuvius in moonlit night”, “View of the Venetian Lagoon” - these masterpieces were the quintessence of the Italian spirit passed through the soul of Aivazovsky. In April 1842, he sends some of the paintings to Peterburg and notifies Olenin of his intention to visit France and the Netherlands. Ivan no longer asks for permission to travel - he has enough money, he has loudly declared himself and will be warmly received in any country. He only asks for one thing - that his salary be sent to his mother.

Aivazovsky's paintings were presented at an exhibition in the Louvre and impressed the French so much that he was awarded the gold medal of the French Academy. But he did not limit himself to France alone: ​​England, Spain, Portugal, Malta - wherever one could see such dear to my heart sea, the artist visited. The exhibitions were a success and Aivazovsky was unanimously showered with compliments by critics and inexperienced visitors. There was no longer a lack of money, but Aivazovsky lived modestly, giving himself to work to the fullest.

Artist of the Main Naval Staff

Not wanting to drag out his voyage, already in 1844 he returned to St. Petersburg. On July 1, he was awarded the Order of St. Anna, 3rd degree, and in September of the same year, Aivazovsky received the title of academician of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. In addition, he is assigned to the Main Naval Staff with the right to wear a uniform! We know with what reverence the sailors treat the honor of the uniform. And here it is worn by a civilian, and even an artist!

Nevertheless, this appointment was welcomed at the Headquarters, and Ivan Konstantinovich (you can already call him that - an artist with a worldwide reputation, after all!) Enjoyed all the possible privileges of this position. He demanded drawings of ships, ship guns fired for him (so that he could better see the trajectory of the nucleus), Aivazovsky even participated in maneuvers in the Gulf of Finland! In a word, he did not just serve the number, but worked diligently and with desire. Naturally, the paintings were also on the level. Soon, Aivazovsky's paintings began to decorate the residences of the emperor, the houses of the nobility, state galleries and private collections.

The next year was very busy. In April 1845, Ivan Konstantinovich was included in the Russian delegation, which was heading to Constantinople. Having visited Turkey, Aivazovsky was struck by the beauties of Istanbul and the beautiful coast of Anatolia. After some time, he returned to Feodosia, where he bought a land plot and began to build his house-workshop, which he personally designed. Many do not understand the artist - the sovereign's favorite, popular artist Why not live in the capital? Or abroad? Feodosia is a wild wilderness! But Aivazovsky does not think so. He arranges an exhibition of his paintings in a newly built house, on which he works day and night. Many guests noted that despite seemingly homely conditions, Ivan Konstantinovich became haggard and turned pale. But, in spite of everything, Aivazovsky finishes work and goes to St. Petersburg - he is still a serviceman, you can’t treat this irresponsibly!

Love and War

In 1846, Aivazovsky arrived in the capital and stayed there for several years. The reason for this was the permanent exhibitions. With a frequency of six months, they were held either in St. Petersburg or in Moscow in completely different places, either for money or for free. And at each exhibition there was the presence of Aivazovsky. He received thanks, came to visit, accepted gifts and orders. Free time was rare in this hustle and bustle. Created one of the most famous paintings- "The Ninth Wave".

But it is worth noting that Ivan still went to Feodosia. The reason for this was paramount - in 1848 Aivazovsky got married. Suddenly? Until the age of 31, the artist did not have a lover - all his emotions and experiences remained on the canvases. And here is such an unexpected step. However, southern blood is hot, and love is an unpredictable thing. But even more surprising is Aivazovsky's chosen one - a simple servant Julia Grace, an Englishwoman, the daughter of a life doctor who served Emperor Alexander.

Of course, this marriage did not go unnoticed in the secular circles of St. Petersburg - many were surprised at the choice of the artist, many openly criticized him. Tired, apparently, from close attention to his personal life, Aivazovsky and his wife left home in 1852, in the Crimea. An additional reason (or perhaps the main one?) was that first daughter - Elena, was already at the age of three, and second daughter - Maria recently celebrated a year old. In any case, Feodosia Feodosia was waiting for Aivazovsky.

At home, the artist tries to organize art school, but receives a denial of funding from the emperor. Instead, he and his wife begin archaeological excavations. In 1852, the family is born third daughter - Alexandra. Ivan Konstantinovich does not leave, of course, the work on the paintings. But in 1854, a landing party landed in the Crimea, Aivazovsky hastily takes his family to Kharkov, and he himself returns to the besieged Sevastopol to his old friend Kornilov.

Kornilov orders the artist to leave the city, saving him from possible death. Aivazovsky obeys. The war ends soon. For everyone, but not for Aivazovsky - he will paint brilliant pictures on the theme of the Crimean War for a few more years.

The following years pass in confusion. Aivazovsky regularly travels to the capital, deals with the affairs of Feodosia, travels to Paris to meet his brother, and opens an art school. Born in 1859 fourth daughter - Jeanne. But Aivazovsky is constantly busy. Despite traveling, creativity takes most of the time. During this period, paintings are created on biblical themes, battle canvases, which regularly appear at exhibitions - in Feodosia, Odessa, Taganrog, Moscow, St. Petersburg. In 1865, Aivazovsky received the Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd class.

Admiral Aivazovsky

But Julia is unhappy. Why does she need medals? Ivan ignores her requests, she does not receive due attention and in 1866 refuses to return to Feodosia. The breakup of the family Aivazovsky experienced hard, and in order to be distracted - everyone goes to work. He paints pictures, travels around the Caucasus, Armenia, pays everything free time students of his art academy.

In 1869, he goes to the opening, in the same year he arranges another exhibition in St. Petersburg, and the next he receives the title of a real state councilor, which corresponded to the rank of admiral. A unique case in Russian history! In 1872 he will have an exhibition in Florence, for which he has been preparing for several years. But the effect exceeded all expectations - he was elected an honorary member of the Academy fine arts, and his self-portrait adorned the gallery of the Pitti Palace - Ivan Konstantinovich stood on a par with the best artists Italy and the world.

A year later, having arranged another exhibition in the capital, Aivazovsky leaves for Istanbul at the personal invitation of the Sultan. This year turned out to be fruitful - 25 canvases were painted for the Sultan! The sincerely admiring Turkish ruler bestows the Order of Osmaniye of the second degree on Peter Konstantinovich. In 1875, Aivazovsky left Turkey and went to St. Petersburg. But on the way he stops by Odessa to see his wife and children. Realizing that warmth from Yulia is not to be expected, he invites her, together with her daughter Zhanna, to next year will go to Italy. The wife accepts the offer.

During the trip, the spouses visit Florence, Nice, Paris. Julia is pleased to appear with her husband at secular receptions, while Aivazovsky considers this to be secondary and devotes all his free time to work. Realizing that the former marital happiness cannot be returned, Aivazovsky asks the church to break off the marriage, and in 1877 his request is granted.

Returning to Russia, he travels to Feodosia with his daughter Alexandra, son-in-law Mikhail and grandson Nikolai. But the children of Aivazovsky did not have time to settle down in a new place - another Russian-Turkish war. The following year, the artist sends his daughter with her husband and son to Feodosia, while he himself goes abroad. For two whole years.

He will visit Germany and France, visit Genoa again, and will prepare paintings for exhibitions in Paris and London. Constantly seeks out promising artists from Russia, sending petitions to the Academy for their maintenance. Painfully, he took the news of his brother's death in 1879. In order not to mope, out of habit he went to work.

Love in Feodosia and love for Feodosia

Returning to his homeland in 1880, Aivazovsky immediately went to Feodosia and began building a special pavilion for the art gallery. He spends a lot of time with his grandson Misha, taking long walks with him, carefully instilling an artistic taste. Every day, Aivazovsky devotes several hours to students of the art academy. He works with inspiration, with extraordinary enthusiasm for his age. But he also demands a lot from the students, is strict with them, and few can withstand studying with Ivan Konstantinovich.

In 1882, the incomprehensible happened - the 65-year-old artist married a second time! His chosen one was a 25-year-old Anna Nikitichna Burnazyan. Since Anna had recently been widowed (in fact, it was at the funeral of her husband that Aivazovsky drew attention to her), the artist had to wait a little before making a marriage proposal. January 30, 1882 Simferopol St. Assumption Church “Actual State Councilor I. K. Aivazovsky, divorced by decree of the Echmiadzin Synoid dated May 30, 1877 N 1361 with his first wife from a legal marriage, entered into a second legal marriage with the wife of a Feodosia merchant, widow Anna Mgrtchyan Sarsizova, both Armenian-Gregorian confession."

Soon the spouses go to Greece, where Aivazovsky works again, including painting a portrait of his wife. In 1883, he constantly wrote letters to the ministers, defending Feodosia and proving in every possible way that its location was the best suited for building a port, and a little later he petitioned to replace the city priest. In 1887, an exhibition of paintings by a Russian artist takes place in Vienna, which, however, he did not go to, remaining in Feodosia. Instead, he devotes all his free time to creativity, his wife, students, building an art gallery in Yalta. The 50th anniversary was celebrated with pomp artistic activity Aivazovsky. The entire high society of St. Petersburg came to greet the professor of painting, who has become one of the symbols of Russian art.

In 1888, Aivazovsky received an invitation to visit Turkey, but did not go to political motives. Nevertheless, he sends several dozen of his paintings to Istanbul, for which the Sultan awards him in absentia with the Order of the Medjidie of the first degree. A year later, the artist and his wife went to a personal exhibition in Paris, where he was awarded the Order of the Foreign Legion. On the way back, the married couple still calls in Istanbul so beloved by Ivan Konstantinovich.

In 1892, Aivazovsky turns 75. And he goes to America! The artist plans to refresh his impressions of the ocean, see Niagara, visit New York, Chicago, Washington and present his paintings at the World Exhibition. And all this in the eighth ten! Well, sit yourself in the rank of state councilor in your native Feodosia, surrounded by grandchildren and a young wife! No, Ivan Konstantinovich remembers perfectly why he rose so high. Diligence and fantastic dedication - without this, Aivazovsky will cease to be himself. However, he did not stay long in America and returned home in the same year. Came back to work. Such was Ivan Konstantinovich.

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (Hovhannes Ayvazyan) was born in Feodosia on July 29, 1817. His father, Konstantin Grigoryevich Aivazovsky, an Armenian by nationality, married an Armenian compatriot named Hripsime. Ivan (or Hovhannes - he was given that name at birth) had three sisters and a brother Gabriel (at birth - Sargis), who later became an Armenian historian and priest. Konstantin Aivazovsky was a merchant, initially quite prosperous, but in 1812 he went bankrupt due to the plague.

Even as a child, Ivan Aivazovsky showed outstanding artistic and musical ability- for example, he mastered the violin without outside help. Yakov Khristianovich Kokh, an architect from Feodosia, was the first to notice artistic talents young Ivan and taught him initial lessons skill. He supplied Aivazovsky with pencils, paper, paints, and also attracted the attention of A. I. Kaznacheev, the mayor of Feodosia, to the boy's talents.

Aivazovsky graduated from the Feodosia district school, then was admitted to the Simferopol gymnasium with the assistance of the mayor, who by that time had already turned into an admirer of the young man's talent. Following this, he was enrolled in the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (training in which was carried out at the expense of the state), thanks to the recommendation of the German painter Johann Ludwig Gross, the first drawing teacher for young Aivazovsky. Sixteen-year-old Ivan Aivazovsky arrived in St. Petersburg in 1833.

In 1835, Aivazovsky's landscapes "View of the seaside in the vicinity of St. Petersburg" and "Study of air over the sea" were awarded silver medal, the artist was appointed assistant to the fashionable French landscape painter Philip Tanner. The latter forbade Aivazovsky to write independently, but young artist continued to paint landscapes, and in the fall of 1836, five of his paintings were presented at the exhibition of the Academy of Arts, all of which received favorable reviews from critics.

But Philip Tanner filed a complaint against Aivazovsky to the Tsar, and at the direction of Nicholas I, all the artist's works were removed from the exhibition. Aivazovsky was pardoned six months later. He was transferred to the class of military marine painting under the guidance of Professor Alexander Ivanovich Sauerweid. After a few months of training with Sauerweid, Aivazovsky was waiting for unprecedented success - in the fall of 1837 he was awarded the Big Gold Medal for the painting "Calm", thus earning the right to travel to the Crimea and Europe.

The period of creativity from 1838 to 1844.

In the spring of 1838 the artist went to the Crimea, where he lived until the summer of 1839. main theme his works were not only seascapes, but also battle scenes. At the suggestion of General Raevsky, Aivazovsky took part in hostilities on the Circassian coast in the valley of the Shakhe River. There he made sketches for the future canvas "Landing of the detachment in the valley of Subashi", which he wrote later; then this canvas was acquired by Nicholas I. By the autumn of 1839, the painter returned to St. Petersburg, on September 23 he was awarded a certificate of graduation from the Academy of Arts, the first rank and personal nobility.

During this period of time, Aivazovsky became a member of the circle of the artist Karla Bryullova and composer Mikhail Glinka. In the summer of 1840, the artist, together with his friend from the Academy, Vasily Shternberg, went to Italy. Rome was their final destination, stopping in Florence and Venice along the way. In Venice, Aivazovsky made acquaintance with N.V. Gogol, and also visited the island of St. Lazarus, where he met his brother Gabriel. Settling in southern Italy, in Sorrento, he worked in his own unique way - he spent only a short time outdoors, and in the studio he recreated the landscape, improvising and giving free rein to fantasy. The painting "Chaos" was acquired by Pope Gregory XVI, who gave the painter a gold medal as a reward for this work. "Italian" period of creativity the artist is considered very successful both from a commercial point of view and from the point of view of criticism - for example, the work of Ivan Konstantinovich earned a high rating from the English painter William Turner. The Paris Academy of Arts awarded Aivazovsky's paintings with a gold medal.

In 1842, Aivazovsky visited Switzerland and Germany, then went to Holland, from there to England, and later visited Paris, Portugal and Spain. It was not without incident - in the Bay of Biscay, he fell into a storm and almost sank the ship on which Ivan Konstantinovich was sailing, and information appeared in the Parisian press about the death of the artist. In the autumn of 1844, after a four-year journey, Aivazovsky returned to his homeland.

Later career, period from 1844 to 1895

In 1844, Ivan Konstantinovich was awarded the title of painter of the Main Naval Staff, in 1847 - professor at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts. He was an honorary member of five Academies of Arts in European cities - Paris, Rome, Florence, Stuttgart, Amsterdam.

The basis of creativity Aivazovsky was a maritime theme, he created a series of portraits of the cities of the Crimean coast. Among marine painters, Aivazovsky has no equal - he captured the sea as a stormy element with menacing foaming waves, and at the same time he painted numerous landscapes of amazing beauty depicting sunrises and sunsets on the sea. Although among the canvases of Aivazovsky there are also views of land (mainly mountain landscapes), as well as portraits - the sea is undoubtedly his native element.

He was one of the founders Cimmerian school landscape painting , conveying on the canvas the beauty of the Black Sea coast of the eastern Crimea.

His career can be called brilliant - he had the rank of rear admiral and was awarded many orders. The total number of works by Aivazovsky exceeds 6,000.

Aivazovsky did not like capital life, he was irresistibly drawn to the sea, and in 1845 he returned to his native city - Feodosia, where he lived until the end of his life. He received the title of the first honorary citizen of Feodosia.

He was not only outstanding artist, but also a philanthropist - he founded an art school and an art gallery with the money he earned. Aivazovsky made a lot of efforts to improve Feodosia: he initiated the construction railway, which connected Feodosia and Dzhankoy in 1892; thanks to him, water supply appeared in the city. He was also interested in archeology, he was engaged in the protection of Crimean monuments, participated in archaeological excavations (some of the items found were transferred to the Hermitage). At his own expense, Aivazovsky erected a new building for the Feodosia Historical and Archaeological Museum.

To the Palestinian Society, which was headed by I. I. Tchaikovsky, brother famous composer, Ivan Konstantinovich donated his work "Walking on the Waters".

Completion of a career and the last days of the painter

Aivazovsky died on May 2, 1900 in Feodosia, having reached old age (he lived for 82 years).

Until the last day, Aivazovsky wrote - one of his last paintings is called “Sea Bay”, and the painting “The Explosion of a Turkish Ship” remained unfinished due to the sudden death of the artist. The unfinished painting remained on the easel in the painter's studio.

Ivan Konstantinovich buried in Feodosia, in the fence of a medieval Armenian temple. Three years later, the painter's widow installed a marble tombstone on his grave - a white marble sarcophagus by the Italian sculptor L. Biogioli.

In 1930, a monument to Aivazovsky was erected in Feodosia in front of the art gallery of the same name. The painter is represented sitting on a pedestal and peering into the sea distance, in his hands is a palette and a brush.

Family

Aivazovsky was married twice. He first married in 1848 to an Englishwoman Julia Grevs, daughter of a St. Petersburg doctor. In this marriage, which lasted 12 years, four daughters were born. At the beginning family life was prosperous, then a crack appeared in the relationship of the spouses - Yulia Yakovlevna wanted to live in the capital, and Ivan Konstantinovich preferred his native Feodosia. The final divorce took place in 1877, and in 1882 Aivazovsky remarried - his wife was Anna Nikitichna Sarkisova, a young merchant's widow. Despite the fact that the husband was almost 40 years older than Anna Sarkisova, Aivazovsky's second marriage was successful.

It is curious that many of the grandchildren of the great painter followed in his footsteps and became artists.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
After the end of the war in 1856, on the way from France, where international exhibition his works were exhibited, Aivazovsky visited Istanbul for the second time. He was warmly welcomed by the local Armenian diaspora, and also, under the patronage of the court architect Sarkis Balyan, was received by Sultan Abdul-Mejid I. By that time, the Sultan's collection already had one painting by Aivazovsky. As a sign of admiration for his work, the Sultan awarded Ivan Konstantinovich with the Order of Nishan Ali, IV degree.
The third trip to Istanbul, at the invitation of the Armenian diaspora, I. K. Aivazovsky makes in 1874. Many artists of Istanbul at that time were influenced by the work of Ivan Konstantinovich. This is especially evident in the marine painting of M. Jivanyan. The brothers Gevork and Vagen Abdullahi, Melkop Telemaku, Hovsep Samandjiyan, Mkrtich Melkisetikyan later recalled that Aivazovsky also had a significant influence on their work. One of Aivazovsky's paintings was presented by Sargis Bey (Sarkis Balyan) to Sultan Abdulaziz. The Sultan liked the picture so much that he immediately ordered the artist 10 canvases with views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. While working on this order, Aivazovsky constantly visited the Sultan's palace, made friends with him, as a result, he painted not 10, but about 30 different canvases. Before the departure of Ivan Konstantinovich, an official reception was arranged for the padishah in honor of awarding him the Order of Osmania II degree.
A year later, Aivazovsky again goes to the Sultan and brings him two paintings as a gift: “View of St. Petersburg from the Holy Trinity Bridge” and “Winter in Moscow” (these paintings are currently in the collection of the Dolmabahce Palace Museum).
Another war with Turkey ended in 1878. The San Stefano peace treaty was signed in a hall whose walls were decorated with paintings by a Russian artist. It was a symbol of the future good relations between Turkey and Russia.
Paintings by I. K. Aivazovsky, who were in Turkey, were repeatedly exhibited in various exhibitions. In 1880, an exhibition of the artist's paintings was held in the building of the Russian embassy. Upon its completion, Sultan Abdul-Hamid II presented I.K. Aivazovsky with a diamond medal.
In 1881, the owner of the art store, Ulman Grombach, held an exhibition of works famous masters: Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Breigl, Aivazovsky, Jerome. In 1882, the art exhibition I. K. Aivazovsky and Turkish artist Oskan Efendi. The exhibitions were a huge success.
In 1888, another exhibition was held in Istanbul, organized by Levon Mazirov (nephew of I. K. Aivazovsky), which presented 24 paintings by the artist. Half of the proceeds from her went to charity. Just these years account for the first graduation of the Ottoman Academy of Arts. Aivazovsky’s style of writing is traced in the works of the Academy graduates: “The sinking of the Ertugrul ship in Tokyo Bay” by the artist Osman Nuri Pasha, the painting “The Ship” by Ali Jemal, some marinas of Diyarbakir Tahsin.
In 1890, Ivan Konstantinovich's last trip to Istanbul was. He visited the Armenian Patriarchate and the Yildiz Palace, where he left his paintings as a gift. On this visit, he was awarded the Order of the Medjidie I degree by Sultan Abdul-Hamid II.
Currently, several famous paintings by Aivazovsky are in Turkey. In the Military Museum in Istanbul there is a painting of 1893 “A Ship on the Black Sea”, a painting of 1889 “A Ship and a Boat” is stored in one of the private collections. In the residence of the President of Turkey there is a painting “Sinking during a storm” (1899).

The biography of Aivazovsky, like any creator, is full of interesting events, extraordinary people who met on life path artist and faith in his talent.
Ivan Konstantinovich was born on July 17 (29), 1817 in Feodosia. Even as a child, Ivan showed the ability to music and drawing. The first lessons in artistic skill were given to him by the famous Feodosian architect, Ya.Kh.Kokh.

Having become a graduate of the school, Aivazovsky entered the Simferopol gymnasium. After graduation, under the patronage of the Feodosia mayor, AI Kaznacheev, the future artist was enrolled in the capital's Imperial Academy of Arts.

Further education

In August 1833 Aivazovsky arrived in St. Petersburg. He studied with such masters as M. Vorobyov, F. Tanner, A.I. Sauerweid. His paintings, written during his studies, were awarded a silver medal. Aivazovsky was such a gifted student that he was released from the Academy 2 years ahead of schedule. For independent creativity, Ivan Konstantinovich was sent first to his native Crimea, and then on a business trip abroad for 6 years.

Crimean-European period

In the spring of 1838, Aivazovsky left for the Crimea. There he created seascapes, engaged in battle painting. He stayed in Crimea for 2 years. Then, together with V. Sternberg, his friend in the landscape class, the artist went to Rome. On the way, they visited Florence and Venice, where Aivazovsky met N. Gogol.

Everyone who is interested in Aivazovsky's biography should know that he acquired his style of painting in southern Italy. Many paintings of the European period were praised by such a venerable critic as W. Turner. In 1844 Aivazovsky arrived in Russia.

Talent Recognition

1844 was a landmark for the artist. He became the chief painter of the Russian Main Naval Staff. After 3 years, he was awarded the title of professor at the Academy of Arts of St. Petersburg. For children who are interested in the life of the great artist, it is important to know that his main works are the paintings “The Ninth Wave” and “The Black Sea”.

But the battles and seascapes his creativity was not limited. He created a series of Crimean and Ukrainian landscapes, painted several historical canvases. In total, Aivazovsky painted over 6,000 paintings in his lifetime.

In 1864 the artist became a hereditary nobleman. He was also awarded the rank of actual Privy Councilor. This rank corresponded to the admiral.

Artist's family

Aivazovsky's personal life was not rich. He married twice. The first marriage was concluded in 1848. Yu.A. Grevs. Four daughters were born from this marriage. The union was not happy, and after 12 years the couple broke up. The main reason for the breakup was that Grevs, unlike her husband, strove to live social life in the capital.

The second wife of Aivazovsky was A.N. Sarkisova-Burzanyan. She was 40 years younger than Aivazovsky and survived him by 44 years.

Death

Aivazovsky died suddenly at night from a cerebral hemorrhage on April 19 (May 2), 1900, in Feodosia. On the easel, the painting “Explosion of the Ship”, on which the marine painter worked the day before, remained unfinished. He was buried in the Armenian Church of Surb Sarkis.