James Edward Buttersworth

James Edward Buttersworth (British/American, 1817-1894), circa 1855 The clippership Flying Cloud coming out of a hurricane 20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm.) The clippership Flying Cloud coming out of a hurricane signed lower right "J.E. Buttersworth" oil on canvas 20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm.) Literature : Richard B. Grassby, Ship, Sea & Sky - The Marine Art of James Edward Buttersworth , Rizzoli, N.Y., 1994, pp. 77-81 for other examples of clipper ships in storms, including Flying Cloud. Rudolph J. Schaefer, J. E. Buttersworth - 19th Century Marine Painter , Mystic Seaport, 2009, pp. 72-91 for other examples of clipper ships, including others in storms. The Flying Cloud was a clipper ship that set the world's sailing record for the fastest passage between New York and San Francisco, 89 days 8 hours. She held this record for over 100 years, from 1854-1989. Flying Cloud was the most famous of the clippers built by Donald McKay. She was known for her extremely close race with the Hornet in 1853; for having a woman navigator, Eleanor Creesy, wife of Josiah Perkins Creesy who skippered the Flying Cloud on two record-setting voyages from New York to San Francisco; and for sailing in the Australia and timber trades.

Lot 94 JAMES EDWARD BUTTERSWORTH (american/british 1817-1894) "THE ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON CUP RACE, 1851" Signed 'JE Buttersworth' lower right, oil on canvas 14 3/4 x 27 in. (37.5 x 68.6cm) provenance: The Collection of Rudolph J. Schaefer, New York. To his son, William M. Schaefer, New York. literature: Schaefer, Rudolph, J. E. Buttersworth, 19th-Century Marine Painter, Mystic Seaport, Inc., Connecticut, 1975, p. 96, no. 71 (illus.) note: "This scene shows part of the fleet that competed in that historic race around the Isle of Wight on August 22, 1851. America , the only American entry against 14 British boats, won the trophy which was to become the famous America's Cup. In the painting above, America appears in the right middleground leading the pack. The Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert stands off in the distant right background with Queen Victoria aboard together with her Prince Consort, Albert, and the Royal party watching the event. Several of the British cutters which participated looked very much alike and, lacking any special identification marks, it is impossible to tell which of the group these are." [Schaefer 96]. Typical of Buttersworth's ouevre, "The Royal Yacht Squadron Cup Race, 1851" documents an event on the sea in stunning detail. As the son of a marine painter, J.E. Buttersworth more than carried on the family legacy of the subject - he became synonymous with it. Few nineteenth century marine artists were as prolific as Buttersworth, and none excelled like he at capturing a racing scene with such deftness that he transcended mere documentation. Estimate $50,000-80,000 Generally good to very good overall condition. Canvas is relined and there are scattered areas of generally minor retouch and some larger areas of restoration. At the very outer upper left edge there is some minor restoration. In the sky at upper center right and to left of leftmost sail of yacht at right there is also restoration. There is an area of restoration nearly contiguous to the restoration by left sail which extends partially into the water. There is an area of restoration at bottom center left in the water. Otherwise, there are generally minor areas of retouch discernible under u.v. light. Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Freeman's Conditions of Sale.

James Edward Buttersworth (London 1817-1894 West Hoboken, New Jersey) A Royal Navy two-decker with a cutter yacht passing astern of her in a stiff breeze; Warships and other coastal craft in the Channel off the south coast; A Royal Navy two-decker running before the wind in the Channel off the South Downs; and A Royal Navy two-decker, fishing craft and a paddlesteamer in an offshore breeze (all illustrated) oil on canvas 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 61 cm.) (4) Born in London in 1817, J.E. Buttersworth was the son and pupil of Thomas Buttersworth (1768-1842), whose influence is clearly in evidence in the works offered above executed during his so-called 'English Period'. Emigrating to America between 1845 and 1847 and settling in West Hoboken, New Jersey, he started to work for the lithographer, Nathaniel Currier of Currier and Ives, allowing his work to reach a far wider audience and concentrating mostly on clipper ships before focusing his attention on yachting.

Lot 227 James Edward Buttersworth (British/American, 1817-1894) Yachting Scene Off Sandy Hook. Signed l.r. Oil on canvas, 12 x 16 in., in a period molded giltwood frame. Condition: Relined, scattered retouch to sky, sails, and water. Note: Retains a label from the Kennedy Galleries, Inc., New York, on the backing paper. Estimate $40,000-60,000 Probable repaired tear at u.c. with associated retouch, retouch to few other spots in sky, and sternmost sail, and several small scattered spots in water.

James Edward Buttersworth (American, 1817-1894), oil on mahogany panel, signed lower right "J.E. Buttersworth," scene depicting a yacht race with steamship in left background, cleaned and minor in-painting restoration completed in 1995 by Stephen Kornhauser and P. Garland, ss: 7 1/2" h. x 15 3/4" w. [Provenance: In family for three generations, most recently on long term loan to the New Britain Museum of American Art, 1979 to present]. Estimate $ 25,000-40,000