Ephemera

J.P. Foscolo photographs of Cyprus

Usually little or nothing is known of photographers based in the Levant as they are on the other side of the lens but this commemorative album with enclosed biography and photo of the person goes against that trend. These illustrations now often serve as a visual marker for sites either lost or highly altered, so they do often have a historic and ethnographic value. This album of J.P. Foscolo photos published by the Cultural Centre Cyprus Popular Bank in 1992 (reprinted 1195, 1999), authored by Andreas Malecos, published 65 years after the death of this photographer shows that he was one of the foremost photographers of the period capturing the images and culture of the island. This gallery pays tribute to that trail blazer of an island in the heart of the Levant. In this document John P. Foscolo is described as a ‘Franco-Levantine’ born in Zakynthos, arrived from Smyrna where he worked as a professional photographer. Foscolo’s photographic work exemplifies a very high quality, both in terms of technique and creativity. We would welcome additional information on this photographer and if he was related to the Foscolo family of Istanbul who became prominent in businesses such as shipping and hoteliers.

cover of the commemorative album.

Examples of postcards from J.P. Foscolo photographs.

Examples of studio portraits.