The artwork, entitled “Battle of Cesme at Night,” was created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1848. Rendered in oil on canvas, the piece is part of the Romanticism movement and falls under the genre of battle painting. It measures 193 by 183 cm and is housed in the Aivazovsky National Art Gallery in Feodosiya, Ukraine.
The artwork vividly captures a dramatic nocturnal naval battle, with elements of intense fire and tumultuous sea. Dominating the scene is a fierce conflagration that engulfs the ships, casting a bright, almost blinding light against the dark expanse of the night sky. The tumult of battle is evident, with ships in varying states of destruction and smaller vessels hastily maneuvering in the foreground. The moon, partially obscured by clouds, casts a pale light that contrasts sharply with the fiery blaze, adding to the chaotic and haunting atmosphere of the scene. The highly detailed depiction of the ships, the dynamic use of light and shadow, and the emotional intensity make this painting a quintessential example of Aivazovsky’s mastery and the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on drama and emotion.
