King of Forest

location

Dilijan, Tavush Region

Overview

In the forests of Dilijan, the King of the Forest is a landmark where nature and sculpture come together.

The tree was split in two by a lightning strike, giving it its distinctive form.

In 1928, construction began nearby on a summer residence commissioned by Aghasi Khanjyan, later known as Khanjyan Villa. During this time, Ara Sargsyan frequently visited Dilijan and became familiar with the site.

Recognizing the tree’s expressive shape, Sargsyan returned the following year with a sculpted head made of volcanic material. Installed between the split branches with the help of local residents, it transformed the tree into a unique blend of nature and sculpture.

Artistic and Institutional Context

The sculpted face is closely linked to Ara Sargsyan’s earlier work.

In 1923, while studying at the Vienna Academy of Arts, he created a wooden head inspired by a satyr from Greek mythology that figures traditionally associated with forests, nature, and vitality.

Art historians note clear similarities between this earlier work and the expression of the King of the Forest, particularly in its lively character and distinctive features.

The King of the Forest is located near Khanjyan Villa, an architectural structure built in the late 1920s.

Today, both the building and the surrounding land are owned by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (MoESCS), which will determine the villa’s future.

At the same time, Green Rock has supported its preservation by funding site studies, organizing public hearings with the Dilijan Municipality, and submitting conservation recommendations.