Crimean view. Ayu-Dag 1865

Ivan Aivazovsky, a Russian-Armenian painter, created this landscape painting, "Crimean View. Ayu-Dag," capturing the area where he spent much of his life. Aivazovsky's identity as an Armenian informs his romantic depictions of coastal scenes; his art provided a lens through which to explore themes of cultural identity and belonging, especially poignant given the diasporic context of Armenian history. The glowing sunset over the Crimean coast is more than just a pretty picture. Consider how the light might symbolize hope or longing, reflecting Aivazovsky's emotional connection to his homeland. The figures on the shore and the ships at sea also give us a glimpse into the everyday lives of people in the Crimea during the 19th century, a region of cultural exchange and imperial ambition. Aivazovsky once said, "I want nothing more than to capture the beauty of the sea." Through his work, we not only see the sea, but also feel the tides of history and identity that shaped his world.