PNT-00261 > Famagusta Harbour, Pol Georghiou (1901-1972), print, 1957
George Pol Georghiou was a self-taught artist born in Nicosia in 1901. He was one of the first Cypriot artists who lived in Famagusta. While studying law in London, he became friends with Ben Nicholson, Augustus John and John Piper. His paintings, inspired by his roots, depicted the landscape and the people of Cyprus.
In 1943, he painted in oils the Aegean Racket and made it into a poster in the fifties. The picture is a window to the port of Famagusta, where ships from different countries harboured during WWII. Flags flying on the masts attest to their nationality. Numerous sailors socialise on the pier while three figures in the foreground catch the eye of the viewer. Their military uniforms attest to them being a Greek captain, a British officer and an Italian officer.
The 'Sneak Peek' series is supported by OPAP (Cyprus).
