The Dutch painter Cornelis de Bruyn, who left his hometown The Hague in 1674 and wandered around the Mediterranean countries, which he saw as the cradle of civilisation and art, for 20 years, despite all the difficulties in sea transportation, could not avoid visiting Cyprus, which he wanted to see very much. In 1683, as soon as he landed on the island at the end of April, he agreed with a Cypriot guide and hired two mules and travelled all over the island for more than a month. Undoubtedly, Famagusta impresses the painter the most with its majesty and historical splendour. Although he could not live as a 'Frankish giaour' in the castle where only Muslims could reside, the painter did not want to give up his desire to create a painting of the city. He hurriedly and passionately began to paint Famagusta, which was closed to him that day, by setting up on the southern shore, which is closed to us today and has the most beautiful view of the city. However, the work of the Dutch painter, who got too carried away with Famagusta, was interrupted, because he did not take into account the heat of Cyprus. The sun beating down on his head, Bruyn suddenly collapses. Fortunately, he recovered after a while and continued to draw with great devotion. And he leaves us an invaluable legacy to understand the historical face of the city. The painting of the painter, famous for his realistic cityscape and architectural drawings, reflects Famagusta as it was before the great destruction of 1735. Apart from the many buildings in the painting that no longer exist, the domed ceiling of St George's Church, which collapsed in the earthquake, is particularly striking. 

Source: Corneille le Bruyn - A Voyage to the Levant (London, 1702) 

Compiled by : Okcan Yildirimturk