“Frozen Bosphorus Under Snow,” painted by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1874, is an exquisite oil on canvas artwork measuring 80 by 130 centimeters. This masterpiece, belonging to the Romanticism art movement, represents the maritime genre and is presently housed in the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey.
The artwork depicts a serene, frozen scene along the Bosphorus Strait, captured under a blanket of snow. Central to the composition is a ship, frozen and still, with its intricate rigging and sturdy wooden hull forming a stark contrast against the muted, icy backdrop. The sky above is enveloped in shades of grey and pale violet, hinting at the cold, overcast weather. Small figures can be observed interacting in the snow near the ship, bringing a touch of life to the otherwise tranquil and desolate landscape. The overall ambiance is one of quiet, frozen beauty, a testament to both the harshness and splendor of winter.
