Famagusta 1917

Nicholas Roerich painted 'Famagusta' using tempera on cardboard. Roerich was deeply interested in history, spirituality, and the connections between cultures, and this work reflects those interests. Famagusta, a city on the eastern coast of Cyprus, carries a rich and complex history, marked by layers of cultural exchange and conflict. It has seen the influences of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations. Roerich renders the ancient ruins in warm, earthy tones, evoking a sense of timelessness and perhaps also loss. His style captures the weight and endurance of these historical remnants. Roerich once said, "Art will unify all humanity." This piece invites reflection on how the remnants of past civilizations can speak to our present, fostering a deeper understanding of the human story. It reminds us of the shared cultural heritage that binds us, as well as the importance of preserving these echoes of the past.