The artwork, titled “Yalta,” was created by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1838. This piece, executed with oil on canvas, is representative of the Romanticism art movement and measures 47 x 66 cm. The artwork belongs to the cityscape genre, depicting the scenic beauty and bustling activity of the city.
In the artwork, Aivazovsky masterfully illustrates the coastal city of Yalta. A sweeping sky, painted in soft hues of blue and yellow, dominates the canvas, creating a serene, almost ethereal atmosphere. Silhouettes of several ships and boats populate the harbor, suggesting the city’s active maritime culture. In the foreground, figures on horseback and on foot engage in their daily activities, grounding the scene in a bustling yet peaceful present. The backdrop features a mountainous landscape, crowned by what appears to be a castle or a church, adding a historical and architectural dimension to the piece. Aivazovsky’s use of light and shadow enhances the realism and depth of the scene, capturing the viewer’s attention and evoking a sense of timeless beauty.