ALEKSEI HANZEN (1876-1937) Dusk on the shore signed 'A. Hanzen' (lower right) oil on canvas 72 x 103 cm Among Alexei Hanzen's famous maritime works, his shore paintings stand out for their subtle poetry and atmospheric detail. A grandson and pupil of Ivan Aivazovsky, Hanzen inherited a deep respect for the sea, particularly evident in his shore scenes - compositions that fuse the serenity of nature with the quiet drama of ocean tides. The painting captures a magical moment when land meets water. Unlike grandiose naval compositions or panoramas of the ocean's depths, these more intimate works highlight everyday coastal life: the twinkling light of sunrise or sunset, weather-worn fishing boats pulled across the sand, villages nestling on cliffsides and waves gently rolling along shingle beaches. The Black Sea coastline of his childhood often served as inspiration, and his meticulous observation of light and colour lends them a gentle realism that is never cold. Hanzen's romantic touch - reflected in the soft pink light on the water and the precise rendering of boats and jetties - reflects both his European academic training and his personal connection with the coastal scenes he once studied alongside Aivazovsky. Born on 19 January (new style: 31 January) 1876 in Odessa, Ukraine, Hanzen spent his childhood by the Black Sea. Frequent visits to Aivazovsky's studio were decisive, as they enabled him to assimilate the master's techniques and his dedication to painting water, sky and warships. This intimate apprenticeship continued until 1900, laying the foundations for his future in maritime art. Hanzen first studied law at the Imperial Novorossiya University in Odessa. At the same time, he trained at the Berlin and Dresden art academies, and continued his studies in Munich and Paris. During this period, his work was influenced by the European academic tradition. From 1904 to 1912, during extended stays in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden, he acquired an international reputation. Major exhibitions in Florence, Berlin and Paris between 1907 and 1910 consolidated his reputation, and commissions were placed in London and America. In 1909, Hanzen was officially appointed artist to the Ministry of the Navy, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to maritime themes. At the same time, he became an important art collector and advocate. His collection - almost 400 works by artists such as Aivazovsky, Menier, Brodsky and Vrubel - contributed to the creation of Odessa's first public art museum in 1910. Throughout the First World War and beyond, Hanzen continued to devote himself to naval themes, publishing an album of 48 works in 1916 before emigrating in 1920. He continued to paint in Zagreb and Dubrovnik until his death in 1937, gaining international recognition. Today, his seascapes - rooted in Aivazovsky's legacy but also unique to him - are preserved in the major museums and royal collections of Europe, including the Feodosia Art Gallery in Crimea, the Odessa Art Museum and the royal collections of Italy, Croatia and Romania. At the buyer's request, we are happy to provide a general condition report for the lot described above. However, as we are not professional curators or conservators, we strongly advise prospective buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist or conservator of their choice for a full professional assessment. Descriptions of the condition of objects in the catalogue or in any correspondence are given for guidance only and should not be regarded as a substitute for a first-hand valuation. ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD 'AS IS' IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE