Items Similar to Modernist Simon Samsonian, Two Sisters Mixed Media
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8
Simon SamsonianModernist Simon Samsonian, Two Sisters Mixed Media1995
1995
About the Item
Simon Samsonian (1912-2003)
Two Sisters, 1995
Poster color and mixed media on paper
Sight size: 16 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.
Framed: 26 x 23 1/2 x 1 in.
Signed lower left: Samsonian 1-1-95
Inscribed lower left: "Two Sisters" 1995 (Poster Color & Mixed Media)
Simon Samsonian was born in Samson, a small seashore town and seaport in North Turkey, the province of Trabizon. In 1915 it had a population of around 15 000, from which around one third were Armenians. The rest were Greeks and Turks.
We don’t know the precise birth date of Simon because later on he only remembered vaguely that at the beginning of the great genocide of the Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, in mid 1915, he was a 2-3 years old small child. So, we can only surmise that he was born during 1912-13. During the genocide most of the Armenian population perished, including of course Simon’s parents and relatives. However, he was fortunate to be rescued by a few years older sister named Hasmig, who ran away carrying him with her. Hasmig soon delivered her small brother to a line of children rescued by Greek nuns, but owing to the chaotic situation she disappeared from his life.
The nuns kept the small orphans with them for a few years, in a local orphanage, and when Greek troops occupied Izmir on May 15, 1919, they moved to that coastal city which was considered at the time to be a safer place to live. There Greek nuns in an orphanage who kept Simon with other children, named him Samsonian, after the town of Samson where he was born.
On September 9, 1922, Turkish republican troops invaded Izmir and in a few days put the Greek and Armenians quarters to fire. Now, ten years old Simon once again alongside other thousands, found temporary refuge in Constantinople (Istanbul), but within a year (on October 6, 1923) this city also fell to the Turks. This time the orphans were whisked away by American warships to a temporary orphanage site on the beautiful Greek island of Syra, found by the American Committee for Relief in the Near East, ACRNE (known as NER and created in 1918).
From October 1923 to August 1928, he at last enjoyed a peaceful childhood on the land of Hellas. Those were undoubtfully the most memorable days of his early life.
The second phase of Samsonian’s life began when he was transported to Egypt, and along with 32 other orphans temporarily lived on the top floor of Kalousdian Armenian National School at Boulaq, Cairo.
From 1932-1936 he studied art at the local Leonardo Da Vinci School, under the financial sponsorship of Kalousdian Alumni Association.
His first one-man show was held in 1936 at the Armenian Artistic Club, Cairo. Then he found a job in an Armenian printing house, meanwhile he became art teacher in Kalousdian Armenian National School (1936-1939). In 1939 he married to Lucy Guendimian, one of his students in Kalousdian. At once she became his lifelong friend and a best mother for their three children.
Beginning from 1937, Samsonian participated regularly in the annual saloons of Cairo. In 1945 he participated by 7 works in the first great exhibition of Armeno-Egyptian artists held in Cairo during March 25 April 15, at the Oriental Company of Publicity.
In the first half of March 1949 he exhibited 90 of his works at a gallery named Egypt-Europe. Critic Dikran Antranikian praised this exhibition, however speaking of some crudity in several works.
But the most important “event” in Samsonian’s artistic life occurred during the 1st half of 1950, when he visited Europe (Italy, Paris and London) to study the great artistic heritage of Western Europe. This journey changed his aesthetical conceptions drastically. However, he never fell under the direct influence of European great masters, (either classical or modern) and constantly guarded the originality of his art. Once back in Cairo, his Stylized Realism involved gradually to include elements of Fauvism and Cubism.
The years 1950-1968 are the most “brilliant” years in the life and artistic carrier of Samsonian. After around four “transitive” years (1950-1954), in 1955 an excellent work like the Portrait of Lucy, his wife, marks the beginning of his new style, which was more original and robust.
Now he was in the flower of his professional excellence, and starting from then on, he created a series of excellent works like Fellaha (Egyptian country girl, 1956), the Cello Player (exhibited in the second Biennale of Alexandria in 1957), The Resting Ballerina (1957), Young Girl at the Beach (1958), The Caliph Omar Ibn al- Khattab Praying in Jerusalem (1960). This last work was highly praised by both the public and artistic circles and is considered today one of the most important works in the modern Egyptian art. The Blind Man (1961), Reading at the Beach (1962), Rest (1963), The Student (1964), Tenderness (1967) etc.
In this period he regularly participated in many group exhibitions in Cairo and Alexandria. Like most annual saloons of Cairo, the first three Biennales of Alexandria (1955, 1957, 1959). The four group exhibitions of Armeno-Egyptian artists held in Cairo (1945, 1958, 1962) and Alexandria (1953) etc.
However, “the crown” of Samsonian’s artistic activities in Egypt was his third solo exhibition held in Cairo, at the galleries of the Society of the Friends of Art (Societe des Amies de l’Art). This exhibition was held during 11 to 22 January, 1961.
Samsonian exhibited 41 paintings created during the last decade. Critic Jean Moscatelli highly praised this exhibition in an article published in Le Progres Egyptien (14 January 1961). He mentioned specifically the well-balanced and strong compositions of Samsonian’s works.
In the spring of 1964, the artist’s painting titled The Student, won the first prize in the Salloon of Cairo. As a reward he was sent on a paid journey to Europe by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture. He visited (for the second time in his life) Paris and London, studying the latest innovations in plastic arts in 1965 and 1967. Thus, Samsonian became the most celebrated Armeno-Egyptian artist in the history of the twentieth century art of Egypt.
In 1965 and 1967 he also won the first prize in the Saloons of Cairo. Thus, he became the most celebrated Armeno-Egyptian artist (excepting Ashod Zoryan) in the history of the 20th century Egyptian art.
1968 was a crucial year for Simon Samsonian. In this year, in order to join his son Hagop and elder daughter Sona who had migrated to America few years earlier, he also left Egypt with his wife and younger daughter Hilda and moved to New York.
On their way to USA they stayed 2 months, May and June, in Athens. In the first half of June, Samsonian held in Athens, a solo exhibition of his works, exhibiting 14 oil paintings and 24 water colours, sponsored by Australian Qantas airways.
This was his fourth private exhibition, which was highly praised by the Greek media, including Ethnos, the largest newspaper, and a critic named Panaiotopoulos considered this exhibition “the best cultural event of the year”.
After many years we can consider this exhibition as a spontaneous act of gratitude to the country which hosted Samsonian (and around 20 000 orphans from both sexes) more than 40 years ago.
In New York, where his children had established previously, he abruptly found himself in a totally different social and cultural environment. However, being enthusiastic he was highly active during the early phase in America.
In his 1st year in New York (1968), his solo exhibition was held in the gallery of the Armenian Benevolent Union. It was natural that he exhibited only works created in Egypt. In 1969, his second solo exhibition was held in the Canadian city Toronto, at KAR galleries. Then in January 1972 a third solo exhibition was held in the Lynn Kottler galleries in Madison Avenue New York. Also in the same year the Art Committee of the City University of New York organized his 4th private exhibition in the new world.
In 1973, his “greatest dream” was realized. He visited Armenia (for the first and last time) accompanied by his wife, and held in the capital Yerevan, a retrospective exhibition of his works.
In 1988, the Armenian General Benevolent Union published in New York an album presenting his life and art. However, since then on he gradually lost interest in promoting his art in New York galleries, and lived a quiet life, being satisfied by creating works of art from time to time, till his death which occurred in November 4 2003.
Samsonian lived around ninety years. His life was full of dramatic events and joyful achievements, especially during his second life period in Egypt. But in USA after around a decade of a highly productive phase when he had already created some of his best works, like in the Subway (1970), The Girl in the Balcony (1971), Mother and Child (1973), Lady with Guitar (1974), and some beautiful still life-s, his art began to lose its usual strength of composition and depth of expression, and his paintings tended to become “flat” and decorative.
This was probably because of being disappointed and frustrated in America, when he found his artistic preconceptions quite alien to the dominant artistic trends there, where such non-figurative artists like De Kooning and Pollock were highly praised.
A posthumous exhibition of Samsonian’s works was held by the Armenian Museum of America (AMA) in New England, during September 29 until November 8, 2013, under the subtitle A Master Rediscovered, at Adelle and Haig Der-Manuelian Gallery.
Bio sourced from Armenian General Benevolent Union Egypt
- Creator:Simon Samsonian (1912 - 2003)
- Creation Year:1995
- Dimensions:Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: BM41stDibs: LU2211215382442
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2022
73 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 7 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New York, NY
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllDeBeers Diamonds Graphic Drawing by Bernard Nacion
Located in New York, NY
Bernard Nacion
Untitled (DeBeers), Late 20th Century
Mixed media on artist board
19 3/4 x 15 in.
This illustration shows a woman wearing a sparkling di...
Category
Late 20th Century Contemporary Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Board
Fauvist Pastel by Iranian American modernist Simon Samsonian
Located in New York, NY
Simon Samsonian (1912-2003)
Untitled, 1991
Poster color and pastel on paper
Sight size: 19 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.
Framed: 28 1/4 x 22 1/4 in.
Signed lower le...
Category
1990s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Pastel
Portrait of a 1920s Woman by Mystery American Artist
Located in New York, NY
Charcoal and pastel on paper
Sight: 16 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.
Framed: 24 1/2 x 20 1/4 x 1 2/3 in.
Signed lower right
Inscribed verso
Category
Early 20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Pastel, Charcoal
Lovely Watercolor Panels by Japanese Woman Artist Eiko Kahn
Located in New York, NY
Eiko Taniguchi Kahn (b. 1929)
Untitled, c. 1960s
Watercolor on board
Each panel: 33 x 11 in.
Framed: 45 1/2 x 32 x 1 in.
Each panel signed bottom
These stunning watercolor panels are beautifully mounted in a period frame. The frame needs some minor restoration but this would be a worthy repair, as it matches the artwork so nicely.
Eiko Taniguchi Kahn was Japanese Artist who was born on January 24, 1929 in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan, to Tosuke Yamashita and Masano Taniguchi. She came to the United States in 1955, and was naturalized in 1958. She was the recipient of the President's award at the National Arts...
Category
1960s Abstract Impressionist Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Watercolor, Board
Man In The Moon Drawing by O. Casio
Located in New York, NY
O. Casio
Untitled (Moon Man), c. 20th Century
Mixed media on paper
Sight: 10 x 13 1/4 in.
Framed: 16 x 20 in.
Signed lower right: O. Casio
Category
20th Century American Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Mixed Media
Pierre Jacquemon Nature Goddess Drawing
Located in New York, NY
Pierre Jacquemon (French-American, 1936-2002)
Untitled, c. late 20th century
Mixed media with ink, pencil, wash, and metal leaf on paper
Sight: 16 1/4 x 12 1/4 in.
Framed: 17 1/3 x 1...
Category
20th Century Surrealist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Mixed Media
You May Also Like
"Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, and Eva Marie Saint"
By Albert Al Hirschfeld
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Ashley John is proud to offer this artwork by:
Albert Hirschfeld (1903 - 2003)
Albert Hirschfeld is known for his pen and ink personality caricatures of theatre people. He worked a...
Category
20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Ink
"Portrait 3" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
By Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Portrait 3" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Unique work
ball pen, spray paint, paper 180g
ARTIST BIO:
Oleksandr Miroshnychenko lives and works at his studio in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Spray Paint, Ballpoint Pen
"Portrait 4" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
By Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Portrait 4" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Unique work
ball pen, spray paint, water colour, paper 300g
ARTIST BIO:
Oleksandr Miroshnychenko lives and works at his studio in Kochetok, a small village in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. In 2001, he decided to become an artist after one year of studying radiophysics at Karazin Kharkiv National University. Miroshnychenko subsequently enrolled at Kharkiv Artist College but after two years of education was expelled. The aspiring artist's first meeting...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Spray Paint, Ballpoint Pen
"Portrait 5" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
By Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Portrait 5" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Unique work
ball pen, spray paint, water colour, paper 300g
ARTIST BIO:
Oleksandr ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Spray Paint, Ballpoint Pen
"Portrait 1" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
By Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Portrait 1" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Unique work
ball pen, spray paint, paper 300g
ARTIST BIO:
Oleksandr Miroshnychenko lives and works at his studio in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Spray Paint, Ballpoint Pen
"Portrait 2" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
By Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Portrait 2" Drawing 23" x 17" inch by Oleksandr Miroshnychenko
Unique work
ball pen, spray paint, paper 180g
ARTIST BIO:
Oleksandr Miroshnychenko lives and works at his studio in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Portrait Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Spray Paint, Ballpoint Pen
