Adam Shiloh (1674-1760)
Price on request
Seascape with ships
oil on canvas
Netherlands, 18th century
44.5 x 56.4 cm
Signed Adam Silo
Seascape with ships
The seascape shows Dutch ships and a Man-o-War.
The central point is a larger ship with multiple sails and flags, a so-called Man-o-War.
In maritime history, a Man-o-War is known as a powerful warship, equipped with cannons and used from the 16th to the 19th century, mainly in Europe. These ships were a symbol of a nation's power at sea.
Threatening air
The sky is filled with clouds that suggest an unpredictable weather situation. On the still calm sea, the smaller boats lean to one side, suggesting the wind.
The lighting in the painting indicates early morning or late evening because of the soft light and shadows on the ships.
Technology
The specific painting techniques include a realistic representation of the ships and the water, with attention to detail in their construction and reflection on the water surface.
The use of light and shadow creates depth, emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the clouds and adding texture to the scene.
Use of color
The color palette appears muted with an emphasis on blue, gray and brown, contributing to a serene yet vibrant maritime atmosphere.
Adam Shiloh (1674-1760)
Adam Silo, born on Christmas Day 1674 in Amsterdam, was a leading Dutch painter who specialized in maritime scenes. His work mainly included warships, trading ships and whalers.
Innovative artist
Silo was not only a gifted painter, but also an innovator in the field of art, as evidenced by his experiments with the mezzotint technique and his production of wax models. Moreover, he was a respected teacher who even taught Russian Tsar Peter the Great how to draw ships. His versatility extended to writing books on art and making instruments, including musical instruments and optical devices such as binoculars and telescopes.
Legacy
Silo's legacy can be found in various museums. His unique contribution to maritime art and his influence on art education make him a remarkable figure in Dutch art history. Adam Silo died in Amsterdam in 1760 and was buried in the Leiden Cemetery.
Museums
Adam Silo left behind a number of remarkable works that cement his reputation as a maritime artist.
These works illustrate Silo's ability to capture the dynamism and drama of the sea, as well as his attention to detail and his mastery of the use of light and shadow.
Amsterdam Museum
One of his most famous paintings is "The IJ with a fleet of whalers seen from the Blauwhoofd stronghold" from 1729, the only known dated work by Silo and is located in the Amsterdam Museum. This painting shows a fleet of whalers on the IJ, an image that reflects the activity and maritime importance of Amsterdam at that time.
Hermitage St. Petersburg
Another notable work is a painting from the 1730s showing fleet maneuvers on the Zuiderzee during Tsar Peter the Great's visit to Amsterdam, found in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
National Maritime Museum London
In addition, "A Dutch whale catcher and other ships are stuck in the ice", an oil painting circa 1757, can be admired in the National Maritime Museum in London.