The question of the retention of Cyprus, sketches in the island
Creator:
Unknown
Date:
1895--04--13
Medium:
Places:
Inscriptions:
Inscribed in lower left recto: A convict under guard; Inscribed in lower centre recto: Native types; The question of the Betention of Cyprus: Sketches in the island; Inscribed in lower right recto: Wine cellar
Description:
The conglomeration of a number of sketches into one engraving was a common practice amongst the artists that worked for periodicals during the first years of British rule in Cyprus. These engraving looked to inform the public about the new colony. A number of Cypriot peasants, women, children and the elderly, are lined in a row affording an overview of native costumes. Amongst them, a middle aged man, most probably a local in the service of the British, if one is to judge by his apparel. He is wearing riding pantaloons and a vest of western style. He is probably a member of the Pioneer Regiment. The main scene portrays the rulers in Victorian clothes tasting wine from a peasant’s cellar. The peasant and probably his wife appear servile and hospitable. He is using a long wooden instrument commonly employed in the Middle East by street peddlers to disperse liquids and avoid physical contact, thus denoting social distance. A small sketch presents a Turkish convict in forced labour under the surveillance of a British guard. The final sketch spreads across the top part of the engraving constituting a random view of Larnaca with a seated female in the foreground. The accent is on two minarets misleadingly suggesting that Larnaca is an exclusively Turkish town. The title of the engraving also suggests a political controversy in British political circles regarding the desirability of Cyprus as an acquisition.
Dimensions:
40 x 29 cm
Signature(s):
Unsigned
Subject:
Architecture, Religious Architecture, Islamic Architecture, People, Group Portraits, Coasts, Boats, Mountains, Clothing And Dress, Traditional Costumes
Identifier:
PNT-00233
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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