Type of Constantinople in the moonlight 124h192 1846, 5 Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (1817-1900)

The painting depicts a luminous and atmospheric scene of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) bathed in the warm glow of a setting or rising sun. The sky is awash in vibrant oranges and reds, with the sun appearing as a bright, diffused disc.

In the foreground, the water is rendered with shimmering reflections of the sky and the silhouettes of several boats. Two small boats are prominently featured, one containing two figures and another with a single occupant. A larger sailboat with sails set drifts in the middle ground on the left.

The cityscape of Constantinople unfolds along the distant coastline, characterized by a dense collection of buildings, including domes and minarets, indicative of its Ottoman architecture. The most striking structure on the right is a grand mosque, its dome and tall, slender minarets silhouetted against the dramatic sky. The city is somewhat hazy, adding to the dreamlike quality of the scene.

The subtexts of this painting can be interpreted in several ways:

• Romance and Exoticism: The exotic setting of Constantinople, combined with the dramatic sunset and the presence of sailboats, evokes a sense of romance and adventure, capturing the Orientalist fascination with the East prevalent in 19th-century art.
• Tranquility and Spirituality: The serene water, the soft light, and the religious architecture suggest a moment of peace and contemplation. The grandeur of the mosque might also allude to the spiritual heart of the city.
• The Passage of Time: The setting sun is a powerful symbol of the end of a day, but also of the passage of time and perhaps the changing fortunes of empires.
• Humanity within a Grand Setting: The small figures in the boats and on the shore provide a sense of scale, emphasizing the vastness of nature and the city, while also grounding the scene with human presence and activity.
• Atmospheric Realism: The artist masterfully captures the specific quality of light and atmosphere during a sunset over water, creating a highly evocative and immersive experience for the viewer. The rendering of light reflects a keen observation of nature.