Page 152 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

Cultural Activity 153

Practically every monastery had its scrip-
torium, in which manuscripts were produced
and scribes and painters were taught. In
Armenia, Sunik was a vibrant center of the
art of miniature painting, which flourished,
particularly in Ayrivank, Spidagavor, Nora-
vank, and Gndevank, and, after the 9th
Century, in other monasteries. Famous for
their painters and scribes, the monasteries of
Datev and Klatsor merit particular attention.
These schools are characterized by their use
of color, form, and expression. Hovhan Vo-
rodnetsi and his student Krikor Datevatsi,
who were great scribes and miniaturists,
also mentored several subsequently famous
figures, including Tovma Medzopetsi, Arakel
Sunetsi, Mateos Chughayetsi, Toros Daro-
natsi, and Momig.
During the Cilician period, the art of
miniature painting further flourished, re-
sulting in some of the most beautiful
examples of the art form in history. Among
the great miniaturists were: Toros Roslin,
Giragos (13th C.), Sarkis Bidzak, Krikor
Mlichetsi, Krikor Bidzak, Vartan, Gostandin,
and Stepanos (14th C.). The monasteries of
Skevra, Hromkla, Trazarg, Agner, Sis, and
Mlich were vibrant centers of miniature
painting. In the ensuing centuries, miniature
painting was also produced in Crimea,
Poland, Julfa, New Julfa, Van, and Constan-
tinople. Islamic miniatures influenced Ar-