The Life and Education of Simon Agopyan
Born in Samatya, a district in Istanbul, Simon Agopyan received his early education at the Horenyan School in Narlikapi and the Sahakyan School in Samatya. His artistic journey began through private lessons from the painter Telemak Ekserciyan, eventually leading him to the Academy of Fine Arts in 1884. Upon his graduation in 1888, Agopyan was awarded first place for his large painting, The Imperial Gallery at Eminonu, a work later purchased by the architect Alexander Vallaury. Throughout his career, he maintained studios in Samatya and Beyoğlu, and he was known to teach art at several institutions, including the Berberyan and Mezburyan schools in Üsküdar and the Esayan School near Taksim Square. He also provided art lessons to Ottoman princes and various amateurs.
Artistic Works and Subjects
Agopyan’s diverse body of work encompasses landscapes, portraits, and religious subjects. His portraiture includes notable figures such as Sultan Abdulhamit II, Sultan Abdülaziz, and Reteos Berberian, as well as a portrait of his father, which earned him a prize at the Marseille Exhibition. He also captured the daily life of Istanbul through depictions of tradespeople like simit sellers, fishmongers, and chimney sweepers. Other significant works include:
His religious works include depictions of the apostles Timothy and Parthugiemeos, created for the Surp Kevork Church in Samatya in 1888.
Questions & Answers
Can I browse Simon Agopyan's works by medium?
To find all works by Simon Agopyan in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.
What are the birthplace and birth year of Simon Agopyan?
Simon Agopyan was born in Istanbul in 1857.
In which historical period did Simon Agopyan work?
Simon Agopyan worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Where are Simon Agopyan's artworks grouped by art movement?
The All Movements page groups Simon Agopyan's artworks by art movement.
