The cultural-historical school as a cultural-philosophical theory is a set of ideas directly related to historical time, geographical environment and race. Having been formed in France in the last decades of the XІX century, it soon became known throughout the European continent and had many followers in different countries (G. Brandes, P. Lacombe, J. Renard, N. Pipin, etc.). Taking into account the intercultural ties that developed during this period, it becomes obvious that Armenian thinkers could not stay away from this pan-European philosophical and cultural movement. This influence is especially clearly noticeable in the scientific and artistic works of two great Armenologists - Father Ghevond Alishan and Garegin Srvandztyants.

KeywordsHippolyte Adolphe Taine cultural and historical school Father Ghevond Alishan The Mkhitaryans Garegin Srvandztyants philosophy of aestheticism historicism; the trinomial formula of environment historical moment and race; Eurocentric worldview synchronicity.

In its further literary interpretations (“Metamorphoses”, by Ovid) the ancient Greek myth of Pygmalion, the sculptor, symbolizes the true inspiration of an artist and the one who apperceives the work of art. The transformation of the marble statue is a clear allegory which drives the reader to various reflections on the metaphysics of a work of art and the external reality. The issue is highly contradictory.

Keywordsallegory nature drama aesthetic modus theme prototype harmony work of art form vs matter.