Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
Discover how the value of similar works has evolved over the past 10 years. Art is not only beauty — it's an investment.
An outstanding example of late Russian Marinism, Stormy Sea, created by Kharlampiy Dmitrievich Kostandi in the early 20th century, stands among the artist’s most expressive works devoted to the theme of the sea.
With remarkable mastery, the artist conveys the raw energy of the raging waters. Foaming waves surge toward a fragile boat, filled with tension, movement, and a sense of inevitability. The sea surface is rendered with striking expressiveness, allowing the viewer to sense the motion of water, gusts of wind, and the charged atmosphere of an approaching storm.
At the center of the composition is a small boat with sailors struggling fiercely against the waves. Their tense, determined figures become a powerful symbol of courage, the fight for survival, and hope for salvation. In the distance, along the horizon line, the faint silhouette of a sailing vessel enhances the vastness of space and underscores human vulnerability in the face of nature’s overwhelming force. The contrast between the immensity of the sea and human presence lends the work its dramatic intensity.
The color palette is built upon subtle transitions of cool tones, ranging from translucent blues and turquoises to silvery greys. Luminous reflections give the water depth and vibrant movement, while the soft yet energetic brushwork creates a sense of breathing space. This atmospheric treatment aligns Kostandi with the finest masters of the Russian Marinist tradition, while highlighting his individual, restrained, and realist approach in contrast to the Romantic expressiveness of Aivazovsky.
Dimensions: 49 × 80 cm (framed 78 × 110 cm)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Signature: “X. Kostandi”, lower left, consistent with the artist’s known autographs
Condition: Good overall condition, with natural age patina and an even craquelure pattern
Provenance: Private collection. Authenticity confirmed by expert examinations
Kharlampiy Dmitrievich Kostandi belongs to the circle of artists associated with the Odessa School, which emerged at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and played a significant role in the development of Russian and Ukrainian painting. Odessa’s close relationship with the Black Sea profoundly shaped the artist’s visual language and his enduring fascination with marine subjects.
Unlike the theatrical Romanticism of classical Marinism, Kostandi pursued a more restrained and observant depiction of nature. His works emphasize atmosphere, subtle chromatic nuances, and the psychological perception of the landscape. The sea in his paintings appears not merely as a scenic motif, but as a living force, symbolizing power, instability, and inner tension.
Kostandi was actively involved in the exhibition life of Odessa. In 1897, he participated in the Spring Exhibition, and in 1900 he presented an extensive body of more than one hundred works. His paintings attracted sustained interest from collectors and gradually entered museum collections.
Today, works by Kostandi are held in the National Art Museum of Ukraine in Kyiv, the Irkutsk Art Museum, the Murmansk Regional Art Museum, the Kirovohrad Art Museum, and numerous private collections. Stormy Sea fits seamlessly within this artistic legacy, exemplifying the mature phase of the artist’s oeuvre, where dramatic expressiveness merges with realist observation.
The painting is in good condition. The canvas is stable, with no significant deformations. The paint layer is well preserved, showing an even, natural craquelure. Color saturation and light effects remain vivid, resulting in a harmonious overall appearance.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
