The Istanbul Naval Museum is exhibiting renowned artist Ivan Aivazovsky's oil paint works on canvas, according to a written statement made by the Naval Forces Command.
The exhibition is part of the museum's “Selected Painters” exhibition series. The Istanbul Naval Museum's website says they are displaying "three masterpieces of Aivazovsky"
Aivazovsky went to Istanbul in 1845 after Sultan Abdülmecid I invited him. During his time there, he was commissioned as a court painter by the Ottoman Sultans Abdülmecid, Abdulaziz and Abdulhamid, 30 of which are currently on display in the Ottoman Imperial Palace, the Dolmabahçe Museum and many other museums in Turkey.
Aivazovsky is widely considered as one of the most prominent Armenian artists and one of the greatest marine artists of the 19th century. He was one of the rare artists who gained international fame and remained a fervent patriot till the end of his days, although he was never able to visit his homeland.
(Painting above) American Shipping off the Rock of Gibraltar, 1873