In 2023, during a visit to Asturias, Princess Leonor received an unexpected gift that has attracted attention among the institutional gifts collected by the Royal Household: a bust made in her honor.
Behind this sculpture is Armenian artist Sargis Yesayan, who decided to pay tribute to the heir to the Spanish throne, inspired by a little-known story linking Spain and Armenia.
The bust of Princess Leonor
The bust, modeled in white terracotta, was delivered thanks to the collaboration of a friend of the sculptor who works at the hotel where the royal family is staying during their visit to Oviedo.
Sargis Yesayan was born in Yerevan and has been involved in art since childhood. What led him to focus on the figure of Leonor was his admiration for the monarchy and the historical connection between the two countries.
In the 14th century, King John I of Castile offered refuge to the Armenian king Leo V and named him Lord of Madrid. For Yesayan, this event turned the Spanish capital into a kind of symbolic Armenian capital before it officially became one, which sparked his curiosity about the Spanish royal family.
During a trip to Asturias to visit his family, the sculptor learned that Leonor would soon be visiting Oviedo for the Princess of Asturias Awards.
Inspired by the princess’s title and the opportunity of the moment, he decided to begin the bust, although limited time prevented him from using bronze, his original material.
The work was completed in a month and delivered discreetly, without messages or expectations, beyond his desire to pay tribute.
The bust is included in the official archives of the Royal Household. Yesayan received no official response, but his satisfaction came from knowing that his work was not forgotten and is now part of the public record of gifts to the princess.