After the storm 

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky created this oil painting entitled "After the Storm" in 1899. It’s a romantic depiction of the sea after a storm, capturing both its destructive power and its serene beauty. Aivazovsky, who was born in the Crimea, spent his career as the main painter for the Russian Navy. Maritime painting had become extremely popular at the Russian Imperial court because of the country’s strong navy fleet. Commissions from the Ministry of the Navy became a reliable source of income for marine painters. Aivazovsky depicted the sea not only as a setting for naval power, but also as a sublime force of nature. His romantic seascapes aligned with the Russian Empire's ambitions of expansion and dominance, particularly in naval matters. Art historians delve into the cultural and political contexts that shaped Aivazovsky’s work. His paintings reflect the societal values and imperial ambitions of 19th-century Russia.