~ c.1810 Thomas Buttersworth Oil On Board Painting Of A Ship On Stormy Seas ~
An unsigned, dramatic oil on board dating from around 1810 of a merchantman convoy in heavy, broaching sea being a very typical composition for his work.
The main subject is partially dismasted with all but a rent forecourse remaining. It is being assaulted by the oceans wrath and looks like she will be on her beam-ends soon.
I have personally owned this painting for 12 years and purchased it in London as a Buttersworth (1768-1842). Like a significant amount of Buttersworths work, it is unsigned.
~ Thomas Buttersworth ~
Born on the Isle of Wight in May 1768, Thomas Buttersworth followed the tradition of English marine painting that had derived from the work of the Van de Veldes, using a low horizon and concentrating on the effects of light and air on his subject. His ability to portray ships with great accuracy stemmed from his own naval career, from 1795 to 1800, during which he saw active service off the Spanish Atlantic coast. Buttersworth drew on these experiences in his early work, typically painting large scale naval battles (John Wilmerding, American Marine Painting, 1987, p.88).
~ Dimensions ~
The oil measures 18 inches (46cm) wide by 12 inches (30cm) tall.
The frame is 24 inches (61cm) wide by 18 inches (46cm) tall.
The total weight is 2.2 kg.
~ Condition ~
The oil is very clean with minor craquelure commensurate with age.
There is an inch long mark to the canvas at the top of the sail within the mast, more of a dent than a scratch but this does not show too much.
The board is blatantly a couple of hundred years old.
