Bidspirit auction | George Pol GEORGHIOU

George Pol GEORGHIOU - Cypriot, 1901 – 1972 The boat, 1959 oil on wood signed and dated 59 lower right 23 x 48 cm 27 x 52 cm (with frame) PROVENANCE private collection, Cyprus NOTE This small and seemingly simple painting is of great importance: the boat is shown in isolation, resting on land beneath a clear sky. The boat is rendered as an archaic vessel, simplified and stylised in keeping with Pol. Georghiou’s engagement with Cyprus’ ancient visual heritage. Its elongated form recalls early Mediterranean prototypes rather than a contemporary craft. In the artist’s symbolic language, the boat functions as an emblem of Cyprus itself, evoking themes of passage, endurance, and cultural memory. The same boat also appears in the artist’s monumental Untitled (210.5 x 90 cm), where the same boat supports the crucifix, reinforcing its symbolic significance within his work.