Summer Promenade, 1870

Provenance

Hirchl & Adler Galleries, New York, New York, 1982
Private collection, Illinois

Literature

Mark D. Mitchell, Francis A. Silva (1835–1886), In His Own Light (New York: Berry-Hill Galleries, Inc., 2002), 69.

Related Work

Seascape (Coney Island Beach), oil on canvas, 20⅛ x 36⅛ inches; Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Nebraska

Note

Francis Augustus Silva frequently painted scenes of Coney Island, a popular spot for recreation during his lifetime. While he typically preferred to capture the island’s serene and romantic coastal landscapes rather than any seaside activities, Summer Promenade demonstrates his ability to depict people on the beach while maintaining the tranquil atmosphere of the seascape. Through masterful composition, Silva not only portrays the calm beauty of the beach and coastline but also skillfully creates a harmonious interplay between humanity and nature.