Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan issued a letter of condolences on the death of the People’s Artist of Armenia, modern painter Hakob Hakobian.

“Hakobian’s decease is a major loss for Armenia’s artistic life. As a unique artist and exemplary citizen he arrived in his homeland as a well known artist with a recognizable style. He came here to reveal a new Armenia and secured a permanent place in the history of his country’s art,” the President said in his letter, further commiserating with the artist’s family and admirers.