Coffee house by the Ortaköy Mosque in Constantinople 1846

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky painted this scene of a coffee house by the Ortaköy Mosque in Constantinople using oil on canvas. The textures in this painting, from the smoothness of the mosque to the rougher rendering of the architecture and clothing, are created through layering of paint. Aivazovsky was born in Crimea, and is best known for his seascapes, where he depicts maritime battle scenes and stormy seas. In this work, the artist’s skill is evident in the delicate details of clothing, the musical instrument, and the hookah on the floor. These details may seem minor, but it helps the viewer to get a feel for the textures and materials in the scene. Aivazovsky emphasizes the significance of the moment by using a palette of warm hues to imbue a sense of atmosphere and invite the viewer into the scene. This wasn’t just about painting a picture; it was about conjuring up a world. By considering these material aspects, we can appreciate the painting not just as a picture, but as a crafted representation of a specific time and place.