Vintage Art Deco Mahogany Alto-Relievo Sculpture by Yenovk Der Hagopian, Circa 1920s/30s. A multimedia artist, Yenovk’s skills extended across woodworking, painting and music. Cubist in style, this high-relief carving is made in the round, likely created to encapsulate the persevering nature of the Armenian people. Finessed details throughout, Hagopian’s sculpture embodies resilience and strength. The central figure is stretching forth while also looking back, perhaps to honor the past while optimistically looking forward. Above the figure is a brick chimney, perhaps the figure’s future home. His works have been relatively unknown after his passing in the 60s until his wife’s granddaughter discovered a collection of his pieces in their family home in 2015.

A wealth of provenance can be found on the verso. The artist has carved his initials in the back, along with a hand-signed paper label noting the artist and his address “Yenovk der Hagopian 77 Templeton Parkway, Watertown, Massachusetts” which is where he resided shortly after immigrating to the States.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Yenovk der Hogapian was an Armenian-born American artist, whose work was largely unknown until his family’s revelation of over 20 works from their home in 2015. A refugee of the Armenian genocide, Yenovk fled his home country in the 1920s with his father and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts before later moving to New York. In 1926, Yenovk enrolled in night courses at the Massachusetts Normal Art School (now Massachusetts College of Art & Design) studying painting and drawing. He participated in group exhibits and solo shows throughout Boston during the 1930’s. Yenovk was also employed by the Works Progress Administration in 1939 and produced a carving depicting the plight of an Armenian family. His works are largely inspired by his love of and deep ties to his Armenian roots, often created as reflections of his memories of family and his homeland. He was a lifelong friend and close confidant of Arshile Gorky, an important figure in Abstract Expressionism. The 2015 Bishop Gallery showing was the first time the artist’s work had been publicly displayed since the 1960s.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Light areas of rubbing on corners, and a couple very small chips throughout as photographed.

Specs: 8 1/8” H | 3” W | 3” D