Феодосия

1842–1843

The Louvre: the only representative of Russia

After travelling through Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain, Aivazovsky takes part in an international exhibition at the Louvre as the only representative from Russia; in France he receives a gold medal from the Academy, and in 1843 a show of his work is held in Paris.

1842–1843

A storm in the Bay of Biscay

In the Bay of Biscay the ship carrying Aivazovsky is caught in a storm and nearly sinks; Parisian newspapers report the painter's death. In 1843 he also visits Britain, Portugal, Spain and Malta.

1844

Painter of the Main Naval Staff

In October 1844 Aivazovsky becomes painter of Russia's Main Naval Staff, with the right to wear a naval uniform; in 1845 he is named an academician and from 1847 a professor of the Saint Petersburg Academy of Arts.

1845

Builds a house in Feodosia and settles there

In autumn 1845, after the voyage with Admiral Litke, Aivazovsky begins building a house on the city embankment and settles in Feodosia. He travels often to Petersburg, sometimes several times a year, but regards Feodosia as home: “My address is always in Feodosia,” he writes to Pavel Tretyakov.

1845

Litke's expedition to the coast of Asia Minor

In 1845 Aivazovsky joins Fyodor Litke's maritime geographical expedition to the coast of Asia Minor; Constantinople captivates him, and afterwards he paints many views of it. The expedition also takes in the Aegean and the islands of Patmos and Rhodes.

spring 1846

A squadron in Feodosia: congratulations on his return

In spring 1846 six warships led by the flagship “Twelve Apostles”, under Vladimir Kornilov, arrive in Feodosia to congratulate Aivazovsky on his return to his native town and the first decade of his work; Admiral Lazarev and Kaznacheyev attend the celebration.