Armenia 1944

Martiros Sarian rendered this sketch of "Armenia" with pencil. Notice how the composition unfolds with a deliberate layering of forms, from the intricate details of the village in the foreground to the majestic, towering mountains in the distance. The drawing's power lies in the rhythm of its lines. Short, broken strokes give texture to the foliage, contrasting with the long, continuous lines that define the mountain range. This creates a sense of depth and space, pulling the viewer's eye across the landscape. The structural repetition of shapes—triangular peaks echoing the roofs of the village—suggests a harmonious connection between the built environment and the natural world. Sarian's use of line is not just descriptive, but expressive, capturing the rugged essence of the Armenian landscape. As you contemplate this sketch, reflect on how it destabilizes the common view that art is always about colour and how it offers a powerful meditation on form and place.