Oil on canvas, titled 'Sunrise With Rocky Shore', signed and dated lower right 'F. A. Silva 1875.' This painting is an outstanding example of Silva's luminous work. The right hand side of the picture has large rocks in the foreground. The rocks have a subtle glow resulting from the light of the setting sun. In the distance, one see a lighthouse and keeper's house and other structure. The sky has magnificent color and light treatment. The water is executed with great skill. In the foreground, there is a large wave which is breaking on the right hand side and cresting as it goes to the left. There are two small sailboats in the distance which add human interest as well as surfaces to reflect color. (PA-214)
Reference I : Mitchell, Mark D., 'Francis A. Silva (1835-1886) In His Own Light', Berry-Hill Galleries, New York, pp. 72 and 83. This painting is similar to two luminous pictures each having a lighthouse in the distance and of similar size and format. The most similar appears on page 83 and is titled 'Sunrise: Marine View, 1873.' And the other similar painting is on page 72 and is titled 'Evening in Gloucester Harbor, 1871'.
Reference II : Brewington, Dorothy E. R., 'Dictionary of Marine Artists', Salem, Massachusetts: Peabody Museum of Salem, 1982, p. 354. Francis Silva was born in New York City. He apprenticed to a sign painter and then served in the Civil War as a Union army captain until 1866. He became an artist in 1868. He worked extensively along the Atlantic coast and was a member of the Water Color Society from 1872. He exhibited in New York City from 1848-1850, National Academy between 1868-1886 and the Brooklyn Art Association 1869-1885.
Reference III : Wilmerding, John, 'American Light The Luminist Movement 1850-1875,' New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1980, p. 199. Another luminous Massachusetts coastal scene is titled: Schooner Passing Castle Island, Boston Harbor, 1874. This painting belongs to the Bostonian Society, Old State House, Boston. (Plate 23)
Condition of painting: The painting was restored approximately in the year 2000. At this time it was cleaned and lined. The fine hairline-like crackalure was meticulously filled.
Condition of frame: The painting has a nineteenth-century style multi-element frame with liner. The frame has a 23-karat gold leaf surface.
Dimensions of Painting: 20 1/8 x 38 1/8 inches.
Dimensions of Frame: 32 x 50 1/2 inches.
