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  • Visit

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    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Food and Drink
    • Tours and Guides
    • Explore the Campus

    Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    Admission is always free

    6th and Constitution Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20565

    Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

    Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights

    Through September 5

  • Exhibitions & Events

    • Exhibitions
    • Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Events

    America’s 250th

    Celebrating American art and artists

  • Art & Artists

    • Artworks
    • Artists
    • Stories
    • Fun and Games
    • Educational Resources
    • Research

    Open Call

    Artists Reimagining the Collection

    Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Utility

  • Support
  • Shop
  • Become a Member

  • Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Food and Drink
    • Tours and Guides
    • Explore the Campus

    Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    Admission is always free

    6th and Constitution Ave NW 
    Washington, DC 20565

    Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

    Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights

    Through September 5

  • Exhibitions & Events

    • Exhibitions
    • Calendar
    • Kid-Friendly Events

    America’s 250th

    Celebrating American art and artists

  • Art & Artists

    • Artworks
    • Artists
    • Stories
    • Fun and Games
    • Educational Resources
    • Research

    Open Call

    Artists Reimagining the Collection

    Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Utility

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  • Shop
  • Become a Member

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  • See extended hours

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    3. Mrs. Robert Giles
    Provenance

    Mrs. Robert Giles

    American, 1862 - 1947

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    Artwork

    This painting shows a fleet of sailing ships on choppy water. The horizon is low, and ship sails and masts are visible far in the distance. Closest to us, five large ships are visible. Four of them are large vessels with multiple masts and sails, while one is a smaller sailboat with two sails. This smaller boat is to the right of center, and two small people are visible on it, holding ropes. To the left is the largest boat, which we see from the back. This ship is painted in a dark gray or blue color, with red accents and decorations that appear to be carved or painted on the sides. A red flag flies from this ship, as well as two smaller white and red flags. The other boats fly similar flags. On the side of this vessel, cannons emerge from small compartments. The other large vessels in the painting also have visible cannons. The water is painted in shades of gray and blue, with countless small waves. Some of the water appears to be in shadow, and is so dark it almost looks black, while other areas are a light blue-gray shade. The sky is blue, with billowing gray clouds tinged in light yellow and pink.
    Anonymous Artist, Dutch Ships in a Lively Breeze, probably 1650s, oil on canvas, Gift of Mrs. Robert Giles, 1947.3.1

    Dutch Ships in a Lively Breeze

    Dutch Ships in a Lively Breeze

    Anonymous Artist · probably 1650s · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1947.3.1

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