The shores depicted in the picture point to the rocky and abrupt coastline of Episkopi area in southwestern Cyprus. A few hundred metres from the shore and on a rise stands Curium, one of the island’s ancient city kingdoms. Its history spans from the 13th century BC to the 7th century AD when it was destroyed by an earthquake. It encompasses many houses, a large theatre, two basilicas, an agora and a temple dedicated to the nymphs. The latter is one of the biggest in the Mediterranean, forty five by fifteen metres and built with cut limestone including many cisterns and fountains. It was built in the early first century AD and abandoned in the middle of the seventh century. Although many marble statues were discovered, amongst them that of a child with a dolphin, today little is left there to be seen apart from a huge column which stands amongst the ruins. The artist has achieved a wonderful contrast between the dark blue of the sea and the brightness of the white marble ruins.
PNT-00738 > Gen Luis (1905-1989), Temple Chypre, Oil on Board, 50x65m, [s.d.]
