Art of Armenia Information & Art of Armenia Links at HealthHaven.com

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral (1909) in Beirut, a prominent example of Armenian architecture, the most advanced form of Armenian art

An Armenian painting at the art museum in Vanadzor, Armenia

Armenian frescoes inside the 17th century Vank Cathedral in New Julfa, Iran

The Art of Armenia is the unique form of art developed over 4,500 years of habitation of the Armenian Highland by the Armenian people. Armenian architecture and miniature painting have dominated Armenian artistic production and have shown consistent development over the centuries.^[1] Other media of Armenian art include sculptures; frescoes, mosaics, and ceramics; metalwork and engravings; textiles; music; and printing.

Most works of Armenian art had a Christian meaning.^[1]

[edit] Study of Armenian Art History

The study of Armenian art began in the early twentieth century. Notable scholars of Armenian art were Catholicos Garegin Hovsepian and professor Sirarpie Der Nerséssian.^[1] More recently, Jean-Michel Thierry and Professor Dickran Kouymjian are prominent scholars of Armenian art.

[edit] Architecture

Main article: Armenian architecture

The first Armenian churches were built during the lifetime of St. Gregory the Illuminator, were often built on the sites of destroyed pagan temples, and imitated some aspects of Armenian pre-Christian architecture.^[2]

Classical and Medieval Armenian Architecture is divided into four separate periods.

The first period, from the 4th to the 7th century, began with Armenia's conversion to Christianity, and ended after the Arab invasions of Armenia. The early churches were mostly simple basilicas, some with side apses. By the fifth century the typical cupola cone in the center had become widely used. By the seventh century, centrally-planned churches had been built and the more complicated niched buttress and radiating Hrip'simé style had formed. By the time of the Arab invasions, most of what we now know as classical Armenian architecture had formed.

The second period lasted from the 9th to the 11th century. Armenian architecture underwent a revival under the patronage of the Bagratid dynasty with many buildings erected in the regions of Ani and Lake Van: these included both traditional styles and new innovations. Ornately carved Armenian khachkars were developed during this time.^[3] Many new cities and churches were built during this time, including a new capital at Lake Van and a cathedral on Akdamar Island to match. The Cathedral of Ani was also completed during this dynasty. It wad during this time that the first major monasteries, such as Haghpat and Haritchavank were founded. This period was ended by the Seljuk invasion.