Celebrating the arts and culture of the Armenian community from their conversion to Christianity in the 4th century to their leading role in international trade routes in the 17th century. This exhibition emphasises how Armenians developed a distinctive national identity in their homeland and how they maintained and transformed their traditions as they travelled crossed the globe.
Opulent gilded reliquaries, illuminated manuscripts, rare textiles, liturgical furnishings, khachkars (cross stones), church models, and printed books demonstrate Armenia’s distinctive imagery in their homeland at the base of Mount Ararat and other major Armenian sites, from the Kingdom of Cilicia on the Mediterranean to New Julfa, in Safavid Persia. More than half of the works on display are on loan from The Republic of Armenia. Find out more about the ‘Armenia!’ exhibition from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s website.
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Reliquary of the Holy Lance (1687), Vałaršapat/Etchmiadzin. Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia. Photo: Hrair Hawk Khatcherian and Lilit Khachatryan
Commentary on the Psalms (1449), Grigor Tatevatsi, Caffa, Crimea. ‘Matenadaran’ Mesrop Mashtots‘ Institute-Museum of Ancient Manuscripts, Yerevan, Armenia. Photo: Hrair Hawk Khatcherian and Lilit Khachatryan
Fragmentary Capital (5th-7th century), Dvin, Armenia. History Museum of Armenia, Yerevan. Photo: Hrair Hawk Khatcherian and Lilit Khachatryan
Alexander Romance (1538-44), Rome and unknown location. Mesrop Mashtots‘ Institute-Museum of Ancient Manuscripts, Yerevan, Armenia. Photo: Hrair Hawk Khatcherian and Lilit Khachatryan
Altar Frontal (1741), Isfahan. Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia. Photo: Hrair Hawk Khatcherian and Lilit Khachatryan
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Has the Fitzwilliam got its rehang right?