The Baptism of the Armenian People

The painting depicts the baptism of the Armenian people led by Gregory the Illuminator, when Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion. At the centre is a white-bearded clergyman in a red bishop’s mitre and vestments, holding a staff in one hand and stretching a cross forward with the other. Behind him stand bearded men, one in a golden vestment holding a censer. On the left are people by a stone; in the background, a crowd and mountains. The year 1892 is marked in the lower right corner of the canvas.

The composition emphasises the role of the spiritual leader and the collective faith of the people at a decisive historical moment.