Who is Arman Golapyan
These are the qualities that make Arman Golapyan a unique and extraordinary figure – values that have allowed him to establish himself among the most respected international researchers and dealers in ancient artworks.
He is passionately devoted to masters such as Guido Reni, Peter Paul Rubens, Van Dyck, Canova, and Caravaggio – artists who had the courage to create something radically new in their time.
“I search for and acquire what I love, what drives me mad with emotion. The feeling I experience in front of a masterpiece is the true engine of my work and passion.”
“Some paintings strike me so intensely that I let emotion decide, without evaluating their potential market value. I choose them for the immense pleasure of appreciating them simply as art.”
Born in Tehran on 20 July 1967, he lived in Iran until the age of eleven. His family left the country during the fall of the Shah of Persia. Once in Italy, he grew up in Piacenza with his mother, with whom he shared a deep and unique bond.
Italy at that time was different: welcoming, open, curious. A Persian child was embraced warmly, and even during school years, Arman breathed a cultural and human atmosphere that would deeply shape his life.
He spent much of his time with his mother, discovering art, studying, observing, learning. Art had always been part of the family environment.
He began his career as a researcher of ancient art through precious antique carpets and rare collectible pieces. He soon became fascinated by the world of restoration and the historical research behind artworks.
He cultivated a strong passion for fine textiles, which he describes as “an extraordinary experience and emotion”.
His knowledge, culture, and passion for Beauty led him to success. During that period, he also became a designer of handmade carpets.
From carpets, he moved into ancient painting – a passion rooted in childhood and transmitted through his family.
In the field of Old Master paintings, he quickly established himself as a researcher and buyer, once again driven by the energy of passion.
He deeply loves the Renaissance, and among modern artists he admires Magritte. He also follows certain contemporary artists with whom he is considering future collaboration.
“The emotion transmitted by an old master painting is incomparable. Understanding a work – its history, origin, and context – requires time, research, and respect, but it is an extraordinary journey.”
His work is marked by absolute discretion and respect – both toward the artworks and the clients. For this reason, he refuses to reveal anecdotes about acquisitions or to use artworks as instruments of personal visibility. Discretion and precision are non-negotiable values.
Disillusioned by the social and economic climate in Italy, he moved between Dubai and Monte Carlo, where he now lives and works in the fields of art and commodities.
He continues to travel the world. He does not consider himself a globetrotter, but rather “a homeless man of luxury”. He feels like a citizen of the world, while still carrying within him the history and art of Persia and Italy.
“Italy is not a country – it is a culture. I return only for short periods, for its colours and flavours. It is a nation that has forgotten its glorious past and lives entirely in the present, without building a future.”