The Tretyakov Gallery is preparing an exhibition of one of the most renowned and favourite Russian artists Ivan Aivazovsky (1817–1900).

His creativity tackled upon lots of subjects that stirred many generations of artists: depicting infinite and boundless space, as well as aspiring to capture constantly changing nature in a particular point of time.

The exhibition presents about 100 paintings and 50 drawings out of the great number (about 6000) of works created by Ivan Aivazovsky. Curator selection will introduce visitors to the best masterpieces by the famous marine painter, painter of battle-pieces, and graphic artist. Aivazovsky’s four most significant canvasses will be displayed at the exhibition together: The Rainbow (1873) and The Black Sea (1881; both of them are kept in the Tretyakov Gallery), The Highest Wave (1850) and The Wave (1889; both are from the State Russian Museum). For the first time the general public will see the large-scale canvass At the Coast of the Caucasus (1885, the Tretyakov Gallery) never exhibited before.

The documentary section of the exposition will tell visitors about Ivan Aivazovsky as a patron of arts and the first citizen of honour of Feodosiya. The exposition will also include models of ships, compasses, globes and telescopes.

During evacuation from besieged Leningrad of World War Two the large-format canvasses by the famous artist had to be reeled up on huge shafts, whereas now they comfortably settle in modern specially equipped vans. Therefore Aivazovsky’s paintings will go on the forthcoming trip to Moscow as they are.

While missing the canvasses in the permanent exposition, the halls of the Russian Museum will be filled with Karl Brullov's works: sketches for St. Isaac's Cathedral frescoes of the 1843 - 1848 and religious paintings.

The exhibition will run in the Tretyakov Gallery at the address 10, Krymsky Val from July 29 to November 20.