Mariam Aslamazyan beside a khachkar

Mariam Arshaki Aslamazyan (1907–2006) was a well-known Soviet and Armenian painter and graphic artist who received the title of People’s Artist of the USSR in 1990. She is often called the “Armenian Frida Kahlo”. She is known for her bright and emotional works: still lifes, portraits and landscapes. In 1987 the artist donated most of her works to her native city of Gyumri, where the Gallery of the Sisters Mariam and Yeranuhi Aslamazyan was opened.

In the photograph she stands in front of a khachkar, wearing earrings, a broad necklace of small beads and a patterned dress. There is an inscription at the top of the khachkar. At the bottom is a signature in Russian: “Aslamazyan M. A.”