Type of Odessa on a moonlit night in 1855 78h128 Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817-1900)

The canvas presents a nocturnal maritime scene dominated by a large sailing vessel positioned centrally within the composition. The ship is depicted under full sail, its dark silhouette sharply contrasted against a luminous backdrop. A small boat approaches from the left, rowed by figures whose details are obscured by distance and shadow; their presence suggests an interaction with the larger vessel.
The background reveals a cityscape rising along a distant shoreline. Architectural elements – likely fortifications or public buildings – are discernible through a haze of atmospheric perspective, illuminated by a pale, diffused light source that appears to be either the moon or a celestial body partially obscured by cloud cover. Several other vessels are visible further out at sea, contributing to a sense of bustling maritime activity.
The artist’s handling of light is particularly noteworthy. The scene is bathed in an ethereal glow, with subtle gradations of tone creating depth and atmosphere. The waters surface reflects the ambient light, producing shimmering highlights that animate the composition. A dark band runs along the top edge of the canvas, intensifying the focus on the illuminated central area.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of a harbor scene, the painting evokes a mood of quiet contemplation and perhaps even melancholy. The subdued palette, the obscured figures, and the vastness of the sea contribute to an atmosphere of solitude and mystery. There is a sense of transition – a moment suspended between day and night, or perhaps between past and future – that lends the work a certain emotional resonance. The scale of the ship relative to the surrounding environment suggests themes of human ambition set against the backdrop of natures immensity.