How a boy from a poor Armenian family Hovhannes Gayvazyan gifted a painting to the Pope and became a great artist

Russian artist of Armenian descent. He was close to the emperor, had friendly relations with Pushkin, but did not read his works. I have never read a single book in my entire life. I thought that it was unnecessary, because everything has its own opinion. So how did a poorly educated person turn into the greatest asset of Russian and world culture? Ivan Aivazovsky is a great artist, philanthropist, and collector.

Hovhannes Gayvozyan (Gayvozovsky) was born in Feodosia on July 29, 1817 in a very poor family. Parents had to give his older brother to raise a wealthy family. The boy was afraid that he would face the same fate and tried to find a job. His family dreamed that his son would grow up a musician. He played the old violin in the streets, ran around with errands and clutched at any business, just to get at least a penny. Continue reading →