Reception of the Imperial family in Sudak

In 1867 Ivan Aivazovsky accompanied the Empress Maria Alexandrovna and her children – Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna – to Constantinople. On the way back, the higher the family expressed a desire to visit the house of the artist. First went to Feodosia, where they were given a worthy reception. The Prince, hearing of the magnificent vineyards on the estate Aivazovsky in Sudak has a great desire to visit there. The owner said they would be happy, but happy was clearly not right at the moment. The fact that in the pike perch Aivazovsky was not at home, where you can take the Royal family. The estate stood a Lodge Manager, and, of course, to invite the Empress and her children was unthinkable. Till morning have not slept the whole of Theodosius. In the pike perch went innumerable carts carrying cooks and food, musicians and dancers, fruit, wine, flowers, carpets, and crockery. When the yacht approached the shore, she was met dressed locals. In the pavilion of the garden was laid East picnic laid out on the ground rich carpets, excellent food. In the midst of the celebration, Aivazovsky went unnoticed. He was absent some time, and then again joined in the fun. When the distinguished guests boarded the ship on the wall of the cabins they found this small painting of just the events – reception of the Imperial family in Sudak.

Before us the morning of the black sea landscape. Clear Sunny day, the dawn haze melting in the sun, blue sea flashes in the sun. At anchor in the Bay is the Imperial yacht on the shore waving flags, and the locals came out to meet the distinguished guests. In the background one can see Fortress mountain, the mount Falcon and Cape Kapchik.

In 2014, at Sotheby's in estima 120 000 – 180 000 pounds painting "Reception of the Imperial family in Sudak" was sold for 146 500 pounds.

Author: Alain Esaulova