The Legend of a Million Roses

Pirosmani and Margarita.

During our cohort’s field trip to city of Signagi, we were told a touching story of Niko Pirosmani, a famous Georgian artist who is considered to be among the finest primitive painters in the world. His work toured world class museums across the globe including Tokyo, Moscow, Paris, and London.

Just like many beloved artists, Pirosmani's work gained the attention and admiration it deserved only after his death. He is believed to have been a major source of inspiration for the master of modern art, Pablo Picasso. 

The art of the self-taught Pirosmani was rich with nature and village life. Yet his most famous work is called “Actress Margarita.” It features a portrait of the love of his life—French dancer Margarita de Sevres. Niko first fell in love with Margarita’s beauty and work during one of her performances in 1909 in Tbilisi.

The love he felt for Margarita overwhelmed Pirosmani. So much so, that on his birthday he decided to trade in his life’s works and possessions for hundreds of roses (though legends claim it was closer to a million roses) and placed them outside her house. Alas, even though he apparently kissed the ground she walked on, his love to Margarita was never reciprocated.

This tragic love story lives on in the hearts and minds of Georgians. It is one reason why Signagi is now known as the “City of Lovers,” a place where many couples go to express their love and take the vow of marriage. 

Woolen dolls for sale at the Signagi market.

-- Ahmad H., Cohort 4