Hovhannes Sharambeyan often travelled around the outskirts of Dilijan, visiting historical monuments and depicting them in his works. This small study of Jukhtak Monastery was painted en plein air, directly in the natural setting.
The monastic complex, located in Tavush Province not far from Dilijan, consists of two churches, from which its name, “Jukhtak,” meaning “a pair,” is derived. The complex took shape in the 13th century and is one of the notable medieval monuments in the surroundings of Dilijan.
The dome of one of the churches — the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator — has not survived. Because the roof is open, rainwater enters the building and gradually damages its interior.
In this work, Sharambeyan captured the special charm of the small church, seemingly nestled amid the surrounding landscape