“Lunar Night,” created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1849, is an oil painting on canvas. This artwork, measuring 123 x 192 cm, is a quintessential representation of the Romanticism art movement, particularly falling under the marina genre.
The artwork portrays a serene nocturnal scene bathed in the gentle light of the moon. The luminous orb casts a silvery glow across the undulating waves, highlighting their textures and movement. A couple of vessels can be seen, with one sailing quietly in the distance while another is anchored near a fortified structure perched on a rocky promontory. The juxtaposition of the calm sea and the rugged architecture creates a balanced composition that evokes both tranquility and a sense of mystery. The play of light and shadow, along with the detailed rendering of clouds, emphasizes the romantic allure of the nighttime seascape.
