MARTIROS SARYAN (1880-1972) Ashtarak Bridge in the morning, 1951

signed in Cyrillic and Armenian and dated 'M Saryan 1951' (lower left); signed, titled in Cyrillic and Armenian and dated (on the reverse) gouache on paper 53 X 81 cm (à vue) Executed in 1951 PROVENANCE: Private collection, Europe Martiros Saryan was an Armenian painter, born in Nakhichevan-on-Don, Russia (now part of Rostov-on-Don). Saryan studied at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture under renowned artists such as Konstantin Korovin and Valentin Serov. Saryan depicted the landscapes, culture, and people of Armenia. In 1921, Saryan moved to Yerevan, where he organized and became director of the museum of archaeology, ethnography, and fine arts, now called the National Gallery of Armenia. Painted in 1951, 'Ashtarak Bridge in the Morning' is a serene and picturesque portrayal of a historic landmark in Armenia. The 17th-century bridge of Ashtarak spans the Kasagh River and is among the notable sites of the town. Located in the gorge just below the church of Saint Sarkis, the bridge was built in 1664 through the efforts of Mahdesi Khoja Grigor, a wealthy merchant from Kanaker. The bridge features three arches of unequal size. Saryan was greatly influenced by Impressionism and artists like Matisse in his use of areas of flat, simplified colour. In the present painting, Saryan's depiction showcases his masterful use of colour and light. 'Ashtarak Bridge in the Morning' is a masterpiece by one of Armenia's greatest artists.