The Ninth Wave by Ivan Konstantinovich Aivazovsky.

The Ninth Wave is a true masterwork. Aivazovsky reaches in this painting an absolute technical perfection, representing a group of unlucky castaways trying to survive under the merciless charges in form of oceanic waves. Nevertheless, the centre of the composition is the powerful, almost mystical and diffuse representation of the sun illuminates the scene with a strange, oneiric range of green as well as pink shades. This painting is often called 'the most beautiful painting in Russia.'

Art is a great status symbol in modern society. Because of that, it can be quite intimidating to the casual viewer. Art can be a great source of pleasure in our lives as well, and even a passing acquaintance with art can enrich our understanding of the world around us.