Describes Aivazovsky's painting technique. The artist's works were closely examined for linen and ground type. An investigation of the texture of the painted surface was made and radiographs along with photographs of fragments in raking light were used to establish the character of the painter's touch. Finally, macrophotographs of the texture of the painted surface were taken to establish features specific to the artist's manner. The results of the examination considerably change the traditional view on Aivazovsky's technique and with application will solve the problem of identifying the works attributed to this artist.