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An exhibition entitled "The Return of Stolen Vrubel" opened today at the Museum of Russian Art
in Yerevan. The exhibition is dedicated to the return of prominent painter Mikhail Vrubel's "The Demon and the Angel with the Soul of Tamara" painting.

To remind, the work, that was stolen from Armenia in 1995, was handed to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the scope of Armenian Culture Days in Russia held in November last year.

"We will try to popularize the museum among Armenian citizens and tourists through the story of this painting. The work has actually been an invaluable gift to the museum and we are confident with this painting its collection will attract public and breathe new life into the Museum of Russian Art in Yerevan," Culture Minister Armen Amiryan remarked, following the official opening ceremony.
The director at the Museum Marine Mkrtchyan in turn, pointed to the art and historical value of the painting. 

Painting conservator, Inna Solovova, present at the exhibition, recalled the story of the restoration of the art work, that had lasted for 7 months and carried out at Moscow Tretyakov Gallery.

"They brought a box where I found the damaged painting in pieces each of them 1-2 mm in size. I couldn't help my tears. Ultimately, we managed to restore the work and  the piece of art reclaimed its original appearance," Solovova said.

To note, the exhibition will run through November.