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About us

silla was born out of a passion for beautiful objects: special pieces with aesthetic and historical significance. In 2009, after years of collecting, Andrew Silla and his wife Grace began to work privately with clients from their residence in Southern Maryland. Quickly outgrowing the space, the business was moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 2012 and after several warehouse location changes it was firmly settled in the present brick-and-mortar location in downtown Shippensburg.

The 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery is home to a large collection of works of art and estate jewelry. We specialize in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 with a particular emphasis on the Animaliers and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

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"A Venetian Capriccio", oil painting | James Salt (British, 1850-1903)

SKU:
705ODJ14P-1

This item is sold. Please email sales@sillafineantiques.com to be notified when similar items become available. Our gallery is very active in hunting down unique pieces and we will almost certainly be able to find something special for your collection.

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catalog text

"A VENETIAN CAPRICCIO" BY JAMES SALT (BRITISH, 1850-1903)
In oil on canvas, signed in red script lower right "J. Salt"
Item # 705ODJ14P-1


A vivid work in his typical translucent and nearly pastel palette, James Salt specialized in capriccio paintings, specifically capturing imagined views of Venice. His blues throughout the length of the canal grade gently into the bokeh of the buildings as the bottom edges disappear with the light mist over the waters. It was this  ability to create an emotional connection with an imagined space through his atmospheric handling of water and mist that sets his work apart and makes it rather distinctive. Salt's ability to compose a scene is evident in the careful staggering of buildings in a way that reduces the complexity and focuses the viewer on the glimmering ripple of the water and the colorful sails and figures.

Preserved in excellent condition and housed in an early period frame (possibly original), this is a very fine acquisition that opens a window to the imagination. We may still have a matched pair to this work available in the gallery inventory.

Measurements:  34 W x 23 7/8 H x 2 1/2 D [frames]; 24 W x 14 H [canvas]

Condition Report:
On original lining; under UV a speck touch-up beside spire, spots of touch up in water, restoration to the signature and fresh varnish all completed by our conservator.  Frame early with gesso losses.