Art Analysis - The Ninth Wave by Ivan Aivazovsky
The Ninth Wave by Ivan Aivazovsky
The Ninth Wave, a visually stimulating piece by Ivan Aivazovsky, depicts a group of seafarers clinging to debris amidst the crashing of waves. The painting currently resides in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Aivazovsky completed this oil painting in 1850 (Coyne 2023). Here we will discuss the three visual elements of line, shape, and color that I believe are best captured in this painting as well as how they inspire awe, and what emotions are elicited. In addition, we will discuss presentation and placement.
The first visual element displayed in this work is Aivazovsky's use of line. Here we can see how lines are used as a show of movement and force. The thickness of the lines near the crescendo shows intensity and then disappears in the sudden chaos of the spray of water. Lines are also used to represent the shear size of the crashing waves by the use of contour lines. This makes me feel overwhelmed by the power of nature. The scale of the distant waves adds another level of imminent danger to the scene. In contrast, the rounded edges of the clouds in the distance seem to suggest a safe haven or escape, if one could only get there.
The second visual element at work here is the use of shape. The hard inverted V shape at each wave peak in particular emphasizes the harshness of the crashing sea in comparison to the gentle curvature between each wave. It is meant to be intimidating and lulling at the same time. The closer you are to the crescendo, the more dire your situation. Whereas, in the swell, it can be relatively calm. In addition, the use of the T-shaped mast this group is clinging to is widely used to reference Christianity as the only means of salvation (The Ninth Wave).
The third visual element is Aivazovsky's use of color. The contrast between the dark depths of water and the bright ball of sun through the clouds is striking. The deep blues represent defeat or even desperation while the yellows and oranges are seen in the distance as safety or reprieve. The sun's reflection in the water may also represent the path of safety for the group; it does appear to have the fewest and least dangerous waves.
The Ninth Wave at the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
The dimensions of this piece are roughly 10ft by 7 ft (The Ninth Wave). This wouldn't be an item to display in a living room or on an office wall. Regarding presentation, I've always found context to be an important driver. You wouldn't hang other people's family photos up on your wall, so your art should also reflect things important to you. I don't normally display art in my home unless it means something to me. If I had been in a shipwreck, or been a Naval Admiral, you may see this on my living room wall. I am neither of those things, so for me, a piece like this would make the most sense to me hanging in a naval school, or even a large maritime museum or sea life center. Any museum or public maritime setting would make sense, but the placement seen above at the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg seems odd to me. It appears very functional, and for practical reasons, the placement may make perfect sense, but it lacks any context here. The adjoining seascapes don't really give it proper context other than here is a bunch of seascapes we've collected in a reddish brown room.
Works Cited:
Coyne, J. (2023) Russian
Marine Painter Ivan Aivazovsky Made Waves, Art & Object.
Available at:
https://www.artandobject.com/news/russian-marine-painter-ivan-aivazovsky-made-waves
(Accessed: 03 June 2024).
The Ninth Wave -
Hovhannes Aivazovsky - Google Arts & Culture (no date) Google.
Available at:
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-ninth-wave/jgHuL-7yxgrOSw?hl=en
(Accessed: 03 June 2024).
Hey, Rusty! This is a very striking work of art. The contrast between the sky and waves creates a very intense mood. When I look at the two images you provided, this work is shown very differently in each. The reds of the former are not seen in the latter, but are replaced by more whites and pinks. I wonder if the lighting does this or if your first image is a digital version that was modified from the original.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I see in the work is that there are two inverted V's. There is the one you wrote of in the waves, but I also see one in the sky. The oranges form a V that peaks above the sun. This one is less obvious than the one in the waves, but is placed more centrally.
Hi Rusty,
ReplyDeleteTo start off I would like to say just how absolutely stunning the piece you have chosen to present is. The creator, Mr. Aivazovsky, clearly knows how to utilize different artistic elements to their fullest potential, and your analysis and insight are spot on. Although this painting depicts a grim situation in the form of being stranded at sea, Ivan’s painting makes me wish I was actually there. Looking over the canvas, an entire story could be a thousand different ways with the final interpretation being up to the viewer. The incredible contrast between skyline and water as well as the amazing detail results in an eye-catching masterpiece. After viewing this, I definitely want to check out more of Mr. Aivazovsky’s work. Thanks for sharing and have a good day!
Vaughan
Hey Rusty,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your assessment of Ivan Aivazovsky's painting "The Ninth Wave." The way Aivazovsky uses visual elements such as line, shape, and color to capture the intensity and emotions of the scene is truly remarkable.
The use of line in the painting effectively conveys the movement and force of the crashing waves. The thickness of the lines near the crescendo and the contour lines portraying the size of the waves indeed make me feel overwhelmed by the power of nature. The contrast between the rounded edges of the distant clouds and the chaotic waves adds depth to the emotions evoked by the painting.
The use of shape, particularly the hard inverted V shapes at each wave peak, effectively emphasizes the harshness of the sea. The juxtaposition between the intimidating nature of the crashing waves and the relative calmness of the swell is certainly thought-provoking. Additionally, the symbolism of the T-shaped mast referencing Christianity adds another layer of meaning to the painting.
Aivazovsky's masterful use of color is also evident in the painting. The stark contrast between the dark depths of the water and the bright sun through the clouds creates a striking visual impact. The representation of defeat and desperation through the deep blues and the sense of safety and hope through the yellows and oranges truly adds depth to the emotions conveyed in the artwork.
Overall, I wholeheartedly agree with your analysis of the visual elements in "The Ninth Wave" and how they inspire awe and evoke a range of emotions. The painting's presentation and placement only serve to enhance its impact on the viewer, making it a truly remarkable piece of art.
Hey Rusty,
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing work of art. As someone that loves the ocean I found this art very appealing. The first thing that I was attracted to was the line element in each wave. I'm glad you included that in your post. I loved your connection between the lines of the waves and the intensity of the danger those sailors face.
For your second element you choose the shape of the water and I agree I would also like to add the texture element. The texture element is down through his brush work which he is able to portray such realistic water and clouds.