Rating and value of paintings by Thomas Buttersworth
Key takeaways
- Thomas Buttersworth (1768–1842), an English sailor and painter, is best known for his depictions of warships during the Napoleonic Wars.
- His oil paintings constitute his major body of work, fetching up to €123,410 at auction, while his drawings and watercolors range from €600 to €15,000.
- His works, which are rarely signed, constitute a valuable historical record preserved primarily by private collectors and the National Maritime Museum in London.
If you own a work by or based on the work of artist Thomas Buttersworth and would like to know its value, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will guide you. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your work, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on the current market. Thereafter, if you wish to sell your work, we will direct you to the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.
Artist's rating and value
Thomas Buttersworth made his mark on the art scene thanks to the Napoleonic Wars. His paintings were marketed and appreciated during his lifetime. Since then, the artist's market value has risen steadily. Among Buttersworth's works, the most sought-after are those depicting warships, often in oil on canvas. Thus, a work signed by the artist's hand can fetch tens of thousands of euros at auction, as evidenced by his painting Captain Lord Cochrane's Frigate Pallas leaving the Tagus, which fetched €123,410 in 2006, whereas it was estimated at between €58,100 and €87,110.
Order of value from the most basic to the most prestigious
Technique used | Result |
|---|---|
Drawing - watercolor | From €600 to €15,000 |
Paintings | From €10 to €123,410 |
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The artist's works and style
The art market abounds with a large number of Buttersworth's graphic works. In addition to pencil drawings, his output includes a variety of watercolors.
The artist also produces oil paintings, which make up the bulk of his output, never neglecting the technical aspect in order to achieve the most realistic representation of warships possible.
Thomas Buttersworth, his life, his work
Thomas Buttersworth (1768-1842) was an English sailor and marine painter of the First Empire period.
Born on the Isle of Wight, he joined the Royal Navy in London in 1795.
He served the UK notably on the famous HMS Caroline, and was invalided out of Minorca in 1800. This experience gave him a sound knowledge of warships, sailing conditions and naval battle strategies.
With this knowledge, Buttersworth began to paint naval pictures, depicting the various ships used during the Napoleonic wars. He immortalized on paper or canvas scenes that he himself had experienced as a sailor, such as the Battle of Cadiz.
He was appointed marine painter to the East India Company, and from then on produced paintings on commission.
Thomas Buttersworth's imprint on his period
Thomas Buttersworth is a recognized and important marine painter in England. His career as a sailor enabled him to get as close as possible to the equipment available to the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, and in this sense his works constitute a considerable historical testimony.
Some of his works are exhibited by the National Maritime Museum in London, but it is private collectors who play the greatest role in preserving his work. His son, James Edward Buttersworth, went on to become a marine painter.
His signature
Thomas Buttersworth's works are mostly unsigned.
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If you own a work by Thomas Buttersworth, don't hesitate to request a free valuation by filling in our online form. A member of our team of experts and chartered auctioneers will contact you to provide an estimate of the market value of your work.
If you are considering selling your work, our specialists will also guide you through the various alternatives available to obtain the best possible price, taking into account market trends and the specific features of each work.
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Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Manuscript in pen and ink on paper.
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Alfred Stevens (1817 - 1875), marine painting, oil on canvas
Estimated Gaston BALANDE (1880-1971), Boats at low tide, oil on canvas
Gaston BALANDE (1880-1971), Boats at low tide, oil on canvas
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Antonin FANART (1831-1903), oil on canvas
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Frequently asked questions
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Who was Thomas Buttersworth, and why are his works so sought after?Thomas Buttersworth (1768–1842) was an English marine painter and former Royal Navy sailor who specialized in depicting warships from the Napoleonic Wars. His works are highly sought after because they combine great technical precision with an authentic historical record, based on his firsthand experience of naval combat and life at sea.
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What is the price range for Thomas Buttersworth's works at auction?Buttersworth’s drawings and watercolors generally sell for between €600 and €15,000, while his oil paintings—the most sought-after works—can fetch between €10 and €123,410, depending on their size and condition. Paintings depicting warships are particularly prized and command the highest prices.
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How can you authenticate a work by Thomas Buttersworth?To authenticate a work attributed to Buttersworth, we recommend that you request a free appraisal from our certified auctioneers and experts. You can fill out our online form: a specialist will contact you within 48 hours to examine your item and provide you with an accurate estimate.
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Is this a good time to sell a painting by Thomas Buttersworth?Yes, the market for Buttersworth’s works has been growing steadily for several years, with sustained demand from collectors. There is growing interest in marine paintings from this historical period, making this an opportune time to sell.
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How do I sell a work by Thomas Buttersworth at Auctie's?Contact Auctie's using our free appraisal form: an expert will examine your artwork and provide you with an estimate of its market value. If you decide to sell, our specialists will guide you through the process from consignment to auction, advising you on the best approach to maximize the price you receive.
