Signed and dated lower left: F.A. Silva 1870

Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, "American Luminism," 1978, no. 32, illustrated.

(possibly) Johnston & Van Tassell, New York, June 7, 1872, lot 108; Vose Galleries, Boston, Massachusetts; Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, acquired by 1978; Donald Purdy, Connecticut; Private collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, acquired from the above, 1979; Sotheby's, New York, May 24, 2000, lot 123; Godel & Co., Inc., New York, acquired from the above; Acquired by the present owner from the above, 2000.

Francis Augustus Silva (American, 1835-1886) Cape Ann, 1870 Oil on canvas 20-1/2 x 40 inches (52.1 x 101.6 cm) Signed and dated lower left: F.A. Silva 1870 Bears inscription on the reverse: Silva, F.A. / Sundown, Summer Seascape Mass 1870 / Silva, F.A. "Sundown, Cape Ann, Mass" 1970 PROVENANCE: (Possibly) Johnston & Van Tassell, New York, June 7, 1872, lot 108; Vose Galleries, Boston, Massachusetts; Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, acquired by 1978; Donald Purdy, Connecticut; Private collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, acquired from the above, 1979; Sotheby's, New York, May 24, 2000, lot 123; Godel & Co., Inc., New York, acquired from the above; Acquired by the present owner from the above, 2000. EXHIBITED: Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, "American Luminism," 1978. LITERATURE: Coe Kerr Gallery, New York, "American Luminism," exhibition catalogue, 1978, no. 32, illustrated; J.I.H. Bauer, "Francis A. Silva: Beyond Luminism," The Magazine Antiques, November 1980, pp. 1020, 1022 and 1027, fig. 2, illustrated; Berry-Hill Galleries, Inc., New York, Francis A. Silva (1835-1886): In His Own Light, exhibition catalogue, 2002, p. 124, fig. 35, illustrated (titled Cape Ann (Sundown, Summer Seascape), Cape Ann, Mass.). Francis Augustus Silva's 1870 work Cape Ann is a quintessential representation of his status as a significant Luminist painter, capturing the calm and clarity characteristic of the movement. Luminism, an American art style of the 19th century, is celebrated for its emphasis on the effects of light on landscape, conveyed through tranquil scenes and a refined use of perspective to suggest calmness and order. In Cape Ann, Silva's deft handling of light creates a serene atmosphere, with the gentle glow of the sun and the soft colors of the sky reflecting on the water's surface. The detailed rendering of the waves and rocks adds a tactile quality to the scene, inviting viewers to appreciate the interplay of texture and light. Silva's work is marked by a subtle gradation of tones and a harmonious color palette, evoking a profound sense of peace. Cape Ann, a favored subject among American artists, is depicted with a reverence that speaks to the natural beauty of the Northeastern coastline. This locale, with its distinctive light and rugged terrain, provided ample inspiration for Luminist artists like Silva, who sought to capture the essence of the American landscape. Silva's Cape Ann embodies the Luminist tradition, offering a meditation on light and form that celebrates the tranquility of nature. His portrayal of this iconic coastal scene stands as a testament to his mastery of the Luminist style and his contribution to the rich tapestry of American art. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Wax lined canvas. Faint hairline craquelure visible under close inspection. Under UV exam, small dot of inpaint in the rocks at lower left. 1-inch spot of inpainting above the boat at right and an additional small retouch along the right center edge. Minor abrasion long the bottom edge, not visible in current framing. Framed Dimensions 34 X 53 Inches