Agios Synesios
Creator:
Sinclair, Hugh Montgomerie (1855-1927)
Date:
1878
Medium:
Places:
Description:
Sinclair was ADC to Sir Garnet Wolsely in 1878 and remained in Cyprus for some years. He was an amateur painter who made a series of watercolours of Cyprus, sold with the contents of his family home Lady Place in 1990. Originally built in the 12th century, the church of Ayios Synesios has undergone extensive reconstruction in the 19th century. It is built in the centre of the village of Rizokarpasso, the head village of the Karpass peninsula. The church preserves some Gothic architectural features but was mostly admired for its bell tower with its intricate and elaborate décor. The artist must have found himself there on a Sunday morning as attested by a small crowd flocking into the church. It is interesting to note that the parish is entering the church from the entrance on the south rather than the door on the west as dictated by Byzantine custom. This arrangement, typical of the ecclesiastical culture of Cyprus, dates back to the Latin period when Greeks and Latins shared the same churches, each group entering from a different side door.
Dimensions:
17 x 26 cm
Signature(s):
Unsigned
Identifier:
PNT-00477
Provenance:
Aston House, Sinclair’s home.
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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