Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky (17/07/1817 – 19/04/1900) was born July 17, 1817 in Feodosia in the family of Armenian businessman, later went bankrupt. First, he studied at the gymnasium in Simferopol, and then in 1833 he entered the Petersburg Academy of Arts, where from 1833 to 1839 he studied under Mikhail Vorobyov in landscape class.
Appeared on the academic exhibition in 1835, first painting Aivazovsky "Study of air over the sea" immediately received praise criticism. In 1837 the painter for three of its work with marine species is awarded a large gold medal. Soon Aivazovsky sent to the Crimea with a mission to write a series of landscapes with the Crimean towns. There he became acquainted with Kornilov, Lazarev, Nakhimov. Crimean artist's works were also successfully exhibited at the Art Academy.
In 1840, Aivazovsky sent on the instructions of the Academy in Italy. There, he worked hard and fruitful work, studying classical art. In Rome and other European cities are successful exhibition of his works. Paris Council of Academies award him the gold medal. Upon his return to Russia Aivazovsky received the title of academician, he was sent to the Naval headquarters, where the artist tasked to paint masters of the species.
As a painter of the Naval Staff, Aivazovsky participates in a number of military operations, and pictures of battle scenes. One of the most famous works, written in 1848, became "The Battle". The sea appears in Aivazovs'kogo as a basis of nature, in his portrayal of the artist manages to show all the vital beauty of a powerful element.
One of most famous paintings by Aivazovsky became his "Ninth Wave", written in 1850. But Aivazovsky left his mark in history not only as a talented painter, but also the patron of the arts. Skopje due to the popularity of his works considerable capital, Aivazovsky generous philanthropists. His money was used to build the building of the Archaeological Museum in Feodosia, conducted a large number of works on improvement of the city. From his studio came Theodosia many famous artists – Kuindzhi, Lagorio, Cloud. Died Ivan Aivazovsky April 19, 1900.