Rough sea 1844

Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky made this painting with oil on canvas. Like many paintings, it's easy to overlook the material itself, but let's consider the materiality of the "Rough Sea", and the cultural significance of its making. The oil paint, applied with brushes, possesses inherent qualities of viscosity and spreadability that allow for the creation of smooth gradients, and precise details. These are all visible in the monochromatic depiction of turbulent waves, and stormy skies. Aivazovsky uses techniques that align with the traditions of fine art, but these traditions have often been set apart from other forms of making. However, a painting such as this is far from removed from wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The canvas, stretched and prepared, serves as a foundation for the artist's skilled application of paint, meticulously layering tones to create depth and drama. The final work evokes the amount of work involved in its production, as well as reflecting the wider cultural values placed on artistic skill, and creativity. So, it’s through the understanding of materials, making, and context that we can appreciate the full meaning of the artwork, which challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.