Moonlight in Feodosia 1852

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky created *Moonlight in Feodosia* with oil on canvas, using traditional methods. Aivazovsky was a master of capturing light, and the material qualities of oil paint allowed him to build up layers of luminous color. Notice the contrast between the dark, textured strokes of the sky and the smooth, reflective surface of the water. This contrast wasn’t accidental, but rather a calculated decision. It’s as if the artist wanted to show off the expressive potential of his medium, using its viscosity to convey depth and atmosphere. The application of paint is thin in some areas, allowing the canvas to show through, and thicker in others, creating a tactile quality. Consider the labor involved in producing this painting. From preparing the canvas to mixing the pigments, each step required time and skill. By emphasizing these physical aspects of the artistic process, we can challenge traditional notions of artistic genius and appreciate the materiality of Aivazovsky's work.