Mountains 1923

Martiros Sarian's "Mountains," currently at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, presents a vibrant landscape with a symbolic procession at its base. The yoke of oxen, pulling a primitive plow, is central here. This ancient symbol of labor and fertility echoes across cultures, harking back to agrarian societies where the ox represented life's vital energy. Consider the Apis bull of ancient Egypt or the sacrificial ox in Minoan Crete—symbols of power, sacrifice, and renewal. Sarian revives this ancient motif, perhaps unconsciously, in a modern context. The oxen’s steady, forward motion reminds us of humanity's enduring connection to the earth and the cyclical nature of life. These beasts of burden engage us on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of our own struggles and the timeless human quest for sustenance. The oxen, therefore, is not merely an animal; it is a vessel, carrying centuries of cultural memory. Its presence in Sarian's landscape transforms a simple scene into a profound meditation on the enduring relationship between humans and the land.