Famagusta Gate
Creator:
Peto, Gladys Emma, 1890-1977
Date:
1926
Medium:
Description:
Gladys Emma Peto was an English artist, fashion designer and illustrator. She married Cuthbert Lindsay Emmerson of the Royal Army Medical Corps and, during the 1920’s, she travelled with him to Malta, Cyprus and Egypt. An outcome of her travels was the book ‘Malta and Cyprus’ and ‘The Egypt of the Sojourner’ published by J.M. Dent for the Outward Bound Library. In her art deco style, she was clearly influenced by Aubrey Beardsley. The view is of Famagusta Gate, a most frequented spot of Nicosia within the walls. Numerous people, Greeks and Turks, are leaving the town or relaxing about. Women mounting donkeys, women on foot carrying heavy bundles on their heads, men in baggy trousers relaxing on the ground, camel drivers advertising their services, a priest amongst the crowd, and a Turkish man coaxing his granddaughter, compose an everyday scene of Nicosia. The bad state of the monuments, such as Famagusta Gate, is attested by the portrayal of overgrown walls. Although the whole scene is in the art deco style, there is a slight humorous vein which conceals the artist’s strong condescending attitude. This colonial attitude towards the indigenous population is also reflected in the artist’s book on Cyprus.
Dimensions:
27 x 18 cm
Subject:
People, Children, Clothing And Dress, Animals, Camels, Architecture, Fortifications, Water-supply, Fountains
Acquisition Note:
Signed in the lower right recto: Gladys Peto
Identifier:
PNT-00390
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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