Moonlit Night on the Bosphorus 1894

"Moonlit Night on the Bosphorus" (1894) is a maritime painting by Ivan Aivazovsky, a renowned Russian artist known for his seascapes. This romantic depiction showcases the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey, under the luminous glow of a full moon. The composition captures the tranquility of the scene with a silhouetted mosque against the moonlit sky and a few ships sailing across the water. This painting is a prime example of Aivazovsky's mastery of light and his signature use of dramatic, contrasting tones, adding depth and atmosphere to the scene.