Surb Sarkis (St. Sarkis Church in Yerevan) 1912

Martiros Sarian painted this scene of Surb Sarkis Church in Yerevan with oil on canvas. Sarian offers a vibrant view of a significant religious site, and his artistic choices reflect the socio-cultural context of Armenia during a transformative period. The bright colors and bold brushstrokes connect to broader artistic movements, perhaps an embrace of modernism. We can also consider the historical associations of Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, which for Sarian, an Armenian, would carry deep cultural and political meaning. The church itself, dedicated to Saint Sarkis, a revered military saint, is not simply a religious structure, but an important national symbol. As historians, we might delve into the archives of Armenian cultural institutions, examining the historical records and studying the urban development of Yerevan to understand Sarian's work better. His art underscores how cultural identity is intertwined with place, history, and artistic expression.