The artwork, titled “Crimean view. Ayu-Dag,” was created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1865. This piece belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is categorized under the landscape genre.
The artwork depicts a serene coastal scene at sunset near the Ayu-Dag mountain in Crimea. The setting sun bathes the sky in shades of orange and red, casting a warm glow across the tranquil waters. Silhouetted against this vibrant backdrop, several ships are anchored close to the shore, their masts and sails starkly contrasting with the illuminated sky. Along the coastline, people can be seen engaging in their daily activities, some tending to a horse-led cart while others are near small boats. Tall trees frame the left side of the composition, their dark forms highlighted by the fading sunlight. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of peacefulness and timeless beauty, hallmarks of Aivazovsky’s skillful portrayal of nature’s grandeur.