Nikolai Bogatov. A Pier on the Volga. undated (1880s-1900s?)

A Pier on the Volga (Nikolai Bogatov, undated (1880s-1900s?))

Vachikan Ispiryan. A Seascape. 2004

A Seascape (Vachikan Ispiryan, 2004)

Yelizaveta Shvarts. Near the Moorings. 1955

Near the Moorings (Yelizaveta Shvarts, 1955)

Konstantin Vasiliev. A Storm. 1970

A Storm (Konstantin Vasiliev, 1970)

Sergei and Aleksei Tkachev. Evening on the Caspian. 1960

Evening on the Caspian (Sergei and Aleksei Tkachev, 1960)

Sergei and Aleksei Tkachev. Spring on the Caspian Sea. 1980

Spring on the Caspian Sea (Sergei and Aleksei Tkachev, 1980)

Ivan Aivazovsky. A Shipwreck near Mount Athos. 1856

A Shipwreck near Mount Athos (Ivan Aivazovsky, 1856)

This painting has an added dimension for Orthodox Christians. Athos, also known as the Holy Mountain, is one of the holiest sites in Orthodoxy. It is a monastic republic of some 20 ruling monasteries, along with other attached sketes, located on a peninsula in the region of Thessaloniki. The best-known fact about the place is that it admits no female visitors. For that matter, no monastic house truly allows those of the opposite gender full run of the facilities, and convents normally prefer older priests. That is because monastics have no illusion as to their goodness. They know that they are as sinful as the rest of us, and they wish no temptation.

If a boat with female passengers were to be wrecked on the shores of Athos, I am quite certain that the fathers would be kind and considerate, and show every bit of courtesy and hospitality. They would also ensure that the women left expeditiously. This is not discrimination; this is prudence. Something we need more of these days, don’t you agree?

Ivan Aivazovsky. Icebergs in Antarctica. 1870

Icebergs in Antarctica (Ivan Aivazovsky, 1870)

This picture is an excellent example of the “composed” works of Aivazovsky. Meanwhile, it is absolutely precise in the depiction of the details and components of the ship. Whilst working at it, the artist recalled the stories of Admiral Mikhail Lazarev (1788-1851), for he was friends with the admiral when he commanded the Black Sea fleet. His famous expedition to Antarctica became the theme for the picture. Lazarev sailed together with Bellingshausen, and they discovered Antarctica in 1820. Then, the future Admiral Lazarev commanded one of two ships of expedition (the sloop Mirny (Peaceful)).

Art Katalog: Zhivopis i Grafika

http://www.art-catalog.ru/picture.php?id_picture=1503 (in Russian)

Yuri Yegorov. A Silver Morning. 1999

A Silver Morning (Yuri Yegorov, 1999)

Yuri Yegorov. A Seascape. 2005

A Seascape (Yuri Yegorov, 2005)