OIL PAINTING: View of Constantinople, 1846
What brought about such extraordinary interest in Aivazovsky paintings by both seasoned connoisseurs and ordinary art-lovers alike? It was undoubtedly Aivazovsky's unusual fidelity to nature that entranced all who viewed his oil paintings . Aivazovsky's ability to accurately convey the effect of water in motion or to portray watery reflections of sunlight or moonlight was unprecedented. Viewing some of his paintings you almost felt you would get your fingers wet if you touched the canvas.