At the end of the 19th century the Mekhitarist fathers
requested famous Venetian artists to make an illustrated chronicle of Armenian
history. The names of some are known to us: Giuliano Zasso, Giovanni Fusaro and
Giuseppe Canella. About 40 graphic works were for the first time displayed
at the Armenian National Gallery in 2005. Some of them were published as a
separate collection in 2007. PAN presents 8 noteworthy works by these artists.
Italian aquarellist Giuseppe Canella the Younger
(1837-1913) was the son of Giuseppe Canella the Elder (1788 -1847). Giuliano
Zasso, 1833-1889 was a painter and the owner of a print shop. He also
collaborated with San Lazzaro letterpress plant. Unfortunately, there is no
information preserved about Giovanni Fusaro.
A number of Italian artists, specifically Classicism
representatives, painted Armenian life scenes. The most known of their works
are “Gregory the Illuminator baptizes Trdat King”, the portraits of St Mesrop
Mashtots and St Sahak Partev and “The Battle of Avarayr”.
The first ever collection of the kind of published in
French in 1887 on San Lazzaro (Surb Ghazar) island by Father Hakobos
Isaverdentsi (1835-1902). In the pretext of the book he informs that Armenian
rich manJean Aratun Bataviatsi (Hovhannes Harutyunian), who covered the
expenses of the publication, appealed to him with a request to create a
collection of Armenian historical and also mythical events. Isaverdentsi, who
was a philologist and translator, used folklore and historiography,
specifically the materials by Movses Khorenatsi and Mikael Zamchyan, in his
work. Jean Aratun sponsored the first complete illustration of the Armenian
history – about 6 dozens of graphic works – by Zasso, Canella and Fusaro. This
unprecedented collection was further republished in the Mekhitarist textbooks.
Following the best traditions of European art, the
Italian artists masterfully depicted the Armenian spirit through landscapes,
buildings, political and military scenes, clothes and interior. Linking the
landmark events of Armenian history with the most important antic episodes,
they made a part of world chronicle.
Giuliano Zasso, Hayk’s Victory over Bel
Greek historian and biographer Plutarch wrote about
Tigranes II. “He was always surrounded by other kings, whom he rated as
servants. But there were four of them accompanying him everywhere like
bodyguards.”
According to Movses Khorenatsi, everyone mourned the
death of Artashes Barepasht (the Kind) and some people even committed suicide.
Giuliano Zasso, Drastamat commits suicide
The last extract from “Arshak and Shapuh” saga. Seeing
that brutal force was not going to subjugate Arshak II, Persian King Shapur II
turned to treachery and invited the Armenian King for peace talks. Arshak was
taken prisoner upon arrival. Sometime 369 or 370, an Armenian named Drastamat
visited the king in prison. He unchained Arshak and organized a feast to honor
him. However, reminiscing on his glory days and feeling depressed, the Armenian
King took his visitor’s knife and killed himself. Drastamat, moved by what he
had just witnessed, took the knife from Arshak’s chest and stabbed himself as
well.
Giuliano Zasso, “Smbat Bagratuni brands traitor Meruzhan
Artsruni”
Meruzhan Artsruni renounced Christianity and converted to
Mazdaism. Shapuh promised him the Armenian throne only if Armenia were under
the Persian rule. Meruzhan was arrested by Smbat Bagratuni, who heated the iron
skewer, shaped it as crown and said. “I crown you, Meruzhan, because you were
trying to reign in Armenia and I am obliged to crown you the way my ancestors
did”. And he put the heated skewer on Meruzhan’s head. Thus, Meruzhan was
executed.
Giuliano Zasso, “Armenians defeat Byzantine forces
attacking Ani”
The painting depicts famed commander Vahram Pahlevuni,
who defends the capital from the attacking Byzantine troops (1043-44).
Giuliano Zasso, “Brave Tatul Vanandesti in front of
despot Tughril”
In 1054, Seljuk troops headed by Sultan Tughril met
heroic resistance by King Gagik I and the forces led by commander Tatul, who,
unfortunately, was taken captive. Tughril promised to set him free in case one of
his relative’s son wounded by him in battles recovers. Tatul answered proudly:
“If he was run through with my spear, he will never recover.” After the man
died, Tatul was executed.
Giuliano Zasso, “Levon Metsagorts crowning”
The painting depicts the crowning of Levon II Metsagorts
in Tarson on June 6, 1198
Source: Armenian history in graphic works by Italian
artists (Mekhitarian Order Collection), Yerevan, 2007
Samson Hovhannisyan / PanARMENIAN.Net
PanARMENIAN.Net © 2000—2016
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