1911
oil on canvas
106 х 71

The painting was produced based on the impressions from journey to Egypt. The artist combined elements of monumental language of Ancient Egyptian art with the colour energy of contemporary painting. Laconism, symmetry, universality of forms transformed in symbols are all lessons of ancient art. By contrasting colours – yellow-orange and blue – Saryan produces visual tension, which conveys not only scorching heat, but also spiritual power of each colour. The mighty palm in the centre sets the solemn vertical, its fan-like leaves forming a sort of arch to crown the composition. Rigorous architectonics rules other elements of the image as well. The figures of people and animals are arranged in a precise circle, which joins them in a single rhythm with blazing fruit of the palm, with haughty sphinx-like head of the camel at the right edge of the picture introduces a vector of movement.

at 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Hall 48