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An exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of prominent Russian-Armenian seascape artist Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazovsky is set to launch at the National Gallery of Armenia on 15 September, the Gallery administration told Panorama.am.

Earlier, speaking to Panorama.am, Arman Tsaturyan, Director of the National Gallery of Armenia, unveiled plans to organize great events dedicated to the artist’s 200th birthday anniversary, expecting increased interest by both the society and the media outlets.

“We intend to exhibit those works by Aivazovsky which have not been displayed previously. Thus, the exhibition features not only the paintings on permanent display, but also the works kept at the funds of the National Gallery of Armenia,” the director said, adding that  due to the efforts of Armenia’s Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan and the museum famous painting “Chaos” by Hovhannes Aivazovsky kept at Mkhitarian Congregation in Venice has been transferred to Armenia to enter into the exhibition

To note, the 200th birthday anniversary of the prominent marine artist was put on UNESCO Anniversaries 2017.

Ivan (Hovhannes) Aivazovsky (born July 29, 1817 – died May 5, 1900), also known as Haivazovskiy, was a Russian painter of Armenian descent, most famous for his seascapes, which constitute more than half of his paintings. Aivazovskiy was born to a poor Armenian family in the city of Theodosia in the Crimea.

At the age of twenty, he graduates from the Art Academy of St. Petersburg with a gold medal. He goes to Italy to continue his studies and returns as an internationally acclaimed seascape painter. Neither financial security nor life in Palace interests him. He returns to his native land, builds a workplace on the seashore and, until the last days of his life, dedicates himself to the work that he loves. He participates in exhibitions all over the world.