Artwork
Turkish woman and Egyptian woman

Turkish woman and Egyptian woman is a tempera painting by the Orientalist artist Martiros Saryan. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Armenia.
About this work
Overview
Martiros Saryan's 'Turkish woman and Egyptian woman' is a 1910 painting on cardboard, exemplifying the artist's fascination with the Middle East. It is part of the National Gallery of Armenia's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two women, one with darker skin and a black veil, the other with lighter skin and a blue headscarf, standing side by side against a solid blue background. Their simple, contemplative portrayal reflects Saryan's interest in the region and its cultures.
Technique & Style
Saryan employed a limited color palette, dominated by blues and browns, and a straightforward style characterized by bold lines and minimal detail. This aesthetic contributes to the overall sense of quiet reflection.
History & Provenance
Created in 1910, the painting is associated with the Orientalist movement, which was influenced by Saryan's travels in the Middle East. It is now held in the National Gallery of Armenia.
Artist & collection
Artist
Martiros Saryan (Armenian: Մարտիրոս Սարյան; Russian: Мартиро́с Сарья́н; 28 February 1880 – 5 May 1972) was an Armenian painter, People's Artist of the USSR (1960), member of the USSR Academy of Fine Arts (1947),…
















