Sasuntsi Davit Sculpture

Overview

Nestled within the monumental Cascade Complex in Yerevan, Armenia, visitors will discover a unique artistic tribute to a cornerstone of Armenian identity: the Sasuntsi Davit Gallery. While the iconic equestrian statue of Sasuntsi Davit, a symbol of Armenian resilience, stands proudly in front of the Yerevan Railway Station, the Cascade Complex houses a significant and detailed bas-relief dedicated to the epic hero. This impressive multi-figure composition, located within the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, visually narrates the legendary 'Daredevils of Sassoun' (Sasna Tsrer) epic, offering a profound cultural experience to those exploring the Cascade's many layers of art and history.

History & Cultural Background

The epic of 'Daredevils of Sassoun', or 'Sasna Tsrer', is Armenia's national epic poem, a sprawling oral tradition dating back to the 8th to 10th centuries. It recounts the heroic deeds of four generations of heroes from Sassoun who defended their homeland against foreign invaders, most notably David of Sassoun, or Sasuntsi Davit. The epic embodies the Armenian people's spirit of freedom, courage, and perseverance, serving as a powerful narrative of national identity and resistance against oppression.

The Sasuntsi Davit Relief within the Cascade Complex was conceived in the 1980s during the complex's construction. Architect Jim Torosyan invited sculptor Artashes Hovsepyan to design one of the galleries, which would become the Sasuntsi Davit Gallery. Hovsepyan's work is a sculptural interpretation of the famous 1922 graphic work 'Sasuntsi Davit' by renowned Armenian artist Hakob Kojoyan. Working with four masons, Hovsepyan spent four years on this monumental tufa relief. Although unfinished due to the 1988 earthquake and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union, the relief is a powerful artistic expression of the epic.

What Makes It Special

The Sasuntsi Davit Relief stands out for its monumental scale and intricate detail. Approximately 15 times larger than Kojoyan's original graphic piece, it brings to life over thirty episodes from the 'Daredevils of Sassoun' epic. The main hero, Davit, is centrally depicted atop his mythical horse, Qurkik Jalali, poised with his lightning-laden sword, ready for battle. This dynamic central image is surrounded by smaller compositions illustrating pivotal moments from Davit's life, including his birth, first hunt, and crucial confrontations with Msra Melik.

The relief's unique compositional structure and the sculptor's ability to translate Kojoyan's drawing into stone with such monumental resonance make it a compelling piece of art. Hovsepyan employed new artistic means to unveil the monumental power hidden in the original graphic work, creating a piece that functions as a continuous visual narrative of the epic.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The epic of Sasuntsi Davit is rich with symbolism. Davit, often portrayed as an invincible strongman with superhuman strength, represents the Armenian people's enduring vitality and their pursuit of justice and freedom. The narrative is passed down through generations, with UNESCO recognizing the 'Performance of the Armenian epic of 'Daredevils of Sassoun' as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2012.

A fun fact is that the equestrian statue of Sasuntsi Davit by Yervand Kochar, located at the railway station, features a bowl under the horse's hooves from which water flows. This bowl symbolizes the 'cup of patience' of the Armenian people, signifying that Davit only draws his sword when this cup overflows, representing their enduring spirit but also their limit against oppression. While this particular symbolic element is specific to Kochar's separate work, the entire epic, and by extension the relief, resonates with similar themes of enduring struggle and eventual triumph.

Visitor Perspective

For visitors to the Cascade Complex, the Sasuntsi Davit Gallery offers a unique opportunity to delve into Armenian folklore and history through art. Located within the interior spaces of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, the relief provides a quiet, reflective counterpoint to the bustling outdoor sculpture gardens and the grand staircases of the Cascade. Exploring the gallery allows one to appreciate the intricate storytelling embedded in the stone, with quotes from the epic often accompanying the depicted scenes, enriching the viewing experience.

The Cascade Complex itself is a fusion of art, architecture, and natural beauty, offering panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat from its summit. Discovering the Sasuntsi Davit Relief adds another layer to this multifaceted destination, connecting the modern art displays with the deep historical and cultural roots of Armenia. It's a journey into the heart of Armenian identity, told through the enduring legend of its most celebrated hero.