Early Life and Education
Martiros Saryan, a renowned Armenian painter, was born on February 28, 1880, in Nakhichevan-on-Don (now part of Rostov-on-Don, Russia) to an Armenian family. At the age of 15, he completed his education at the Nakhichevan school and later studied at the Moscow School of Arts from 1897 to 1904, where he was influenced by the works of Valentin Serov and Konstantin Korovin.
Artistic Career
Saryan's artistic career was marked by his extensive travels, which greatly influenced his work. He visited Armenia in 1901, capturing its landscapes in paintings such as
Makravank (1902),
Aragats (1902), and
Buffalo. Sevan (1903). His works were highly praised in the Moscow press.
Museum and Legacy
The
Saryan Museum Yerevan, Armenia, dedicated to preserving Saryan's legacy, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Armenian art and culture. The museum features over 250 works by Saryan, including paintings, drawings, and sketches.
- Notable Works at the Museum:
- Komitas, a painting depicting the famous Armenian musician and composer Komitas Vardapet.
- A nook of old Yerevan, a vibrant and colorful depiction of Yerevan's old town.
Later Life and Awards
Saryan lived in Paris from 1926 to 1928, but most works from this period were destroyed in a fire on his return to the Soviet Union. He was awarded the
Order of Lenin three times and was a member of the
USSR Art Academy (1974) and
Armenian Academy of Sciences (1956). Saryan passed away on May 5, 1972.
Conclusion
Martiros Saryan's legacy as the founder of a modern Armenian national school of painting continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. His works, showcased at the
Saryan Museum Yerevan, Armenia, are a testament to his enduring influence on Armenian art and culture.