Hripsime resists Trdat III

“Hripsime resists the advances of Trdat III”. Artist: Gevorg Mnatsakanyan, 2020–2021.

Fleeing the emperor Diocletian, who wanted to marry her, the virgin Hripsime and her companions reach Vagharshapat and hide in a local winepress. The emperor demands that King Trdat find the virgins. When Hripsime refuses to come to the king, she is brought by force. In the chamber where she is praying, Trdat tries to take her, but Hripsime, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, “fights fiercely” and overcomes the king. The enraged Trdat orders the martyrdom of Hripsime, Gayane and the other 35 virgins.

On the canvas a woman in a red dress and dark cloak pushes back with her hand a man who has fallen to the floor. Behind them are a curtained bed and a statue of a seated woman on a pedestal.