RA Gold - 2004 - 10,000 dram - Arshile Gorky: 100th Birth Anniversary

RA Gold Commemorative - 10

Obverse: Portrait of Arshile Gorky (Vostanik Adoyan, 1904-1948), an influential Armenian-born American artist known for his impact on modern art. The Armenian inscription reads: "ԱՐՇԻԼ ԳՈՐԿԻ" ("Arshile Gorky"), and the English equivalent is also inscribed: "ARSHILE GORKY." The dates "1904-1948" are displayed alongside the portrait, commemorating his life and artistic contributions.

Reverse: Depiction of one of Gorky's significant artworks, showing two figures in his distinct expressive style. The denomination "10000" is prominently displayed with "ԴՐԱՄ" ("dram") beneath, along with the year "2004." The Armenian inscription around the edge reads: "ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆԻ ՀԱՆՐԱՊԵՏՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԿԵՆՏՐՈՆԱԿԱՆ ԲԱՆԿ" ("Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia").

Denomination: 10,000 dram
Metal: Gold 999
Weight: 8.60 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Edge: Plain
Strike Quality: Proof

This commemorative coin honors the 100th birth anniversary of Arshile Gorky, born Vostanik Adoyan, who was one of the most important Armenian-American artists of the 20th century. Gorky was born on April 15, 1904, in the village of Khorgom, Van province, which is now part of Turkey. He later moved to the United States, where he graduated from the New York Central Art School and subsequently taught there for five years. In the 1930s, Gorky's works began gaining international recognition, establishing his position as a leading figure in abstract expressionism and modern art.

His artworks are housed in many prominent galleries across the United States and have been exhibited worldwide, including in Yerevan, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York. Gorky's unique artistic style blended elements of surrealism and abstract art, leaving a lasting impact on the development of modern art. This coin commemorates his artistic legacy and acknowledges his contributions to both Armenian and international cultural heritage.