Today, we speak of Saryan not as a great painter, but as a person — kind, wise, and with a subtle sense of humor.
This is how he is remembered by Elena Khorenovna Stepanyan, the grandniece of his wife. She is now 90 years old, yet her voice still carries warmth when she speaks of him.
“He was very kind and always had a sense of humor!” — she recalls.
Saryan lived for art and inspired others with his love for it.
When his niece told him that she taught children adjectives using Aivazovsky’s paintings and was scolded for it, he supported her:
“Don’t listen to anyone! You’re doing everything right!”
The Family of Martiros and Lusik Saryan
Elena remembers that Saryan never elevated himself, despite being a great artist.
Every day, guests would gather in his home simply to talk.
A large, long table stood in the living room, and artists, writers, and thinkers would discuss literature, art, and life.
“Uncle Martiros was very wise and kind. My aunt Lusik was always gentle, sensitive, and such a tender woman. They loved each other deeply. He adored her endlessly — she was the light of his life.”
A Guided Tour with the Master
Elena recalls how she and her friend once visited the Martiros Saryan Museum, and their personal guide was none other than Saryan himself.
Her friend cried from joy!
“He explained everything: why he chose a particular work, what inspired him.
We listened carefully, and at the end, he suddenly asked,
‘Why aren’t you praising me? Why don’t you say I’m a good artist?’”
His humor was unique — subtle, unexpected, and alive.
“When Uncle Martiros passed away, everyone felt lost.
He brought people together, and his passing was a tremendous loss.
But he left behind not only paintings, but also memories that warm the hearts of those who knew him.”
“He loved his work. He loved his talent.”
Elena Stepanyan, Martiros Saryan, Asmik Khojayan (Elena’s mother and Lusik’s niece), Lusik Saryan, 1958
Mitchell Wilson (American writer and physicist) at the home of Martiros Saryan, 1958
Film Director and Writer
Anatoly Eiramdzhan and Martiros Saryan
Lusik Saryan (Aghayan) and Ghazaros Aghayan
M. Saryan House-Museum
Ambassador of the King of Nepal
at the M. Saryan House
Martiros and Lusik Saryan.
Yerevan. M. Saryan House-Museum
From the Life of the Artist. Wartime Years. 1941
Yerevan. M. Saryan House-Museum
(c) Material prepared by Viktoria Stepanyan
