Many are familiar with Ayvazovsky's painting 'Battle of Sinop', also known as 'The Night After the Battle'. It depicts the moment of the Turkish squadron's defeat: in the darkness of night, the reflections of the terrible battle with Russian ships can be seen, burning and exploding vessels, while our fleet calmly retreats from the Ottoman shores. However, few know that this canvas was created based on a sketch made by naval officer Viktor Baryatinsky just a few hours after the battle.

The events unfolded as follows. On November 18, 1853, the last major battle of sailing fleets in world history concluded. By evening, the Turkish squadron was completely defeated. Fires broke out on the ships, the air was shaken by explosions of gunpowder and spontaneous detonations of cannons, masts crashed down, and vessels slowly sank into the water. Observing from the flagship 'Empress Maria', Admiral Nakhimov was so impressed by this spectacle that he asked his flag officer Baryatinsky to capture it. Viktor Ivanovich initially refused, citing a lack of artistic talent, but, obeying the order, quickly sketched from life, depicting the sinking ships and fires near Sinop.

After the return of the Russian squadron to Sevastopol, Nakhimov sent Baryatinsky to inform Prince Vorontsov of the victory. According to legend, on the way, Viktor Ivanovich stopped by to see his acquaintance Baryatinsky, where guests had gathered that day. The officer recounted the naval battle and even boasted that he had managed to make a sketch of that fiery night. Ayvazovsky was impressed by the drawing and persuaded Viktor Ivanovich to hand over the sketch to him. It was based on this sample that the famous marine artist created his legendary canvas, so many details of the painting were conveyed through the eyes of eyewitnesses to the events.