Ein Frauenzimmer aus der Insul Cypern
Creator:
Bruyn, Cornelis de, 1652-1727
Date:
1725
Medium:
Places:
Inscriptions:
Printed below the image: Ein Frauenzimmer aus der Insul. Cypern.
Description:
The woman of Cyprus as presented here with a complicated plumed headdress, along with the German word ‘frauenzimmer’, carries derogative connotations. In many of the travelogues of the 17th to the 18th century, women of Cyprus were described as the descendants of Venus, Goddess of Love, and were seen as having loose morals. This perhaps stemmed from Herodotus’ description of the rites of sacred prostitution taking place at the temple of Aphrodite in antiquity in Cyprus. Western travelers commented on the dress worn by Cypriot women as low-cut or see-through at the bosom. The artist here calls his illustration of the women of Cyprus as 'The woman of the bedroom'.
Dimensions:
16 x 10 cm
Signature(s):
Unsigned
Alternative Title:
A woman from the island of Cyprus
Subject:
Identifier:
PNT-00072
Provenance:
From the book, 'A voyage to the Levant 1702.'
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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