Sumbat Der Kiureghian

Sumbat Der Kiureghian was born in 1913 (1292 in the Solar Hijri calendar) into an Armenian family in Jolfa, Isfahan. His older sister discovered his artistic talent when he was seven, but the pressures of life forced Sumbat to abandon painting and start working. He continued his education in English at the English College of Isfahan. Sumbat’s artistic path began with the arrival of Sarkis Khachatourian, an Armenian painter based in Paris, in Isfahan. He learned a great deal from Khachatourian’s skill in brushwork, color selection, and knowledge of works by Western, Indian, Japanese, and African artists. During this brief period of collaboration with Master Khachatourian, Sumbat became enamored with the Isfahan school of art and devoted himself to its careful study. His style combined Western watercolor techniques with Iranian themes, executed with precision and delicacy. His works often depicted urban landscapes, bridges, squares, and streets of Isfahan, rendered in soft colors with meticulous detail. In 1930 (1309 SH), he opened his own art studio in Isfahan called “Negarestan” and continued his artistic activities there until 1971 (1350 SH), after which he moved to Tehran. He continued painting in Tehran until 1980 (1359 SH), when he emigrated to the United States. His works have frequently been featured in Tehran auctions and various international auctions, including Bonhams, KiesAuction, eBay, ArtScopes, and many others. Sumbat Der Kiureghian passed away in the summer of 1999 (1378 SH) in the United States.