Vessels in a Swell at Sunset 

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky painted "Vessels in a Swell at Sunset" using oil to capture a seascape during an era of Russian expansion and exploration. Aivazovsky, of Armenian descent, navigated his identity within the Russian Empire, becoming the leading marine artist of his time. His seascapes often evoke a sense of romanticism and awe. Yet, they also subtly reflect the complex relationship between humanity and the vastness of the natural world. Here we see the emotional tension as a small boat of people are dwarfed by both the immensity of the sea and another ship in the background. As we look at the sky and the sun that is breaking through, it asks us, what does it mean to be human when faced with such powerful forces? While Aivazovsky’s work celebrates the majesty of the sea, it invites us to consider the vulnerabilities and untold stories of those who navigate its waters.