The artwork titled “Battle of Chesma,” created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1886, belongs to the Romanticism art movement and falls under the genre of battle painting. The scene vividly captures the historical naval engagement, showcasing the intense and dynamic nature of the fight.
In the artwork, tumultuous waves and dark skies frame the epic confrontation between naval forces. Ships, their sails billowing in the wind, are engaged in fierce combat, with one vessel prominently illuminated by a grand explosion, which casts a dramatic glow across the scene. The artist skillfully employs light and shadow to highlight the chaos and destruction of battle, creating a palpable sense of drama and tension. The overall composition conveys a sense of both the grandeur and the brutality of maritime warfare, characteristic of the Romanticism style, which often emphasizes emotion and the sublime power of nature.