A dream of Cyprus.
Creator:
Furniss, Harry (1854-1925)
Date:
1878--08--10
Medium:
Places:
Inscriptions:
Printed: A dream of Cyprus
Description:
In the foreground of the engraving a young girl is pondering over the connotations conjured up by the island of Cyprus. To her mind the island is related to the Crusader King Richard the Lionheart (top right) who captured the island from its last Byzantine ruler Isaac Comnenos. On the top left the crusaders are battling against the Muslims whereas King Richard appears triumphant over his enemies. In the center of the engraving are two scenes from the well-known Shakespearean play of Othello, the Moor Captain of Famagusta and his tragic love affair with Desdemona. In the forefront is a snake perhaps reminding the reader that Cyprus was in antiquity called «Οφιούσα», that is snake island. Saint Helena on her way back from the Holy Land is supposed to have brought cats to the island to exterminate the snakes. Travellers often mention in their diaries the family of the “Ophiogenes” who lived in Famagusta and held the secret of saving people from snake bites.
Dimensions:
40 x 27 cm
Signature(s):
Signed in lower right recto: Harry Furniss
Identifier:
PNT-00669
Classification:
Collection:
Object Type:
Rights Holder:
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
Rights Statement:
The Costas and Rita Severis Foundation holds or manages the copyright(s) of this item and its digital reproduction. If you need information about using this item, please send an email to research@severis.org
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