Hakob Hovnatanyan

Hacob Hovantanyan who was also called “The Raphael of Tiflis”, was the founder of the modern Armenian painting school and one of the masters in portraiture, illustration and miniature.

His widespread fame began when he was awarded the golden medal from Saint Petersburg Art organization in 1841.

He achieved an accomplished technique as a portraitist in this era and portraits of princes, the clergy and rich people were the main subjects of his works.

He went to his daughter's home who lived in Tabriz and after one year moved to Tehran and went to Naser al-Din Shah Qajar palace.

Shortly after he was awarded a Courtesy title as an honorific scientific sign and also the name of Naghshbashi, which means master of painters.

Hakob Hovnatanyan (1806—1881), a representative of the last generation of Hovnatanyans.
Hakob Hovnatanian with his family