The photographer’s biographical details have not been found. Ayvazov’s studio was located in front of Tiflis’ city hospital at 97 Mikhailovskaya Street. Judging by diverse painted backgrounds and numerous props of Ayvazov’s portraits, this was one of the more lavishly decorated and prosperous studios in Tiflis at the turn of 20th century. His clientele was comprised of ordinary citizens – students, tradesmen and officers – who often arrived for their sessions dressed in their best, often national, garbs. Thus, Ayvazov’s cabinet and cdv portraits are of great interest as material for studies of indigenous photographic self-representation.

Vigen Galstyan, 2016