the collector's folio

James E. Buttersworth Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by James E. Buttersworth our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide James E. Buttersworth · 1817 – 1894

The Yacht Magic'' Defending America's Cup''

Two large sailing vessels navigate choppy waters against a backdrop of a vibrant sunset.

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17841 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

The Steam and Sail Ship Western Metropolis

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Clipper in a Heavy Sea, James E. Buttersworth

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #3: Clipper in a Heavy Sea

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17840 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The Young America'' in a Storm''

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Yacht 'Sappho' Beating to the Wind

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Clipper Great Republic'''' – James E. Buttersworth

Discover James Edward Buttersworth’s ‘The Clipper Great Republic,’ a stunning 19th-century oil painting of maritime grandeur. Explore its Romantic style & detailed ship portraiture.

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #6: The Clipper Great Republic''''

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Shipping in Rough Seas – James E. Buttersworth

1840

Discover "Shipping in Rough Seas" by James Edward Buttersworth! A dramatic Romantic oil painting of three ships battling a tempestuous storm. Explore its powerful composition & historical detail – perfect for art lovers.

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #7: Shipping in Rough Seas

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

A frigate and a naval cutter chasing a French cutter, with a boat recovering a man overboard by James E. Buttersworth

1850 · National Maritime Museum, London · original 20.3 x 25.3cm

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #8: A frigate and a naval cutter chasing a French cutter, with a boat recovering a man overboard

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Clipper Ship Great Republic (1853) by James E. Buttersworth

1853 · Old State House, Boston

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #9: Clipper Ship Great Republic

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Yacht Race in Boston Harbor., 1850, James E. Buttersworth

1850 · original 30.48 x 45.72cm

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #10: Yacht Race in Boston Harbor.

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17838 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19046 × 30 cm Commission at original size

Yacht KATE off Boston Light (1850) by James E. Buttersworth

1850

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #11: Yacht KATE off Boston Light

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17840 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The 'N.B.Palmer' at Anchor off Staten Island (1851)

1851

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #12: The 'N.B.Palmer' at Anchor off Staten Island

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

James E. Buttersworth, The Sloop 'Maria' Racing the Schooner Yacht 'America,' May 1851 (1851)

1851

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Ship Dreadnought'''', 1853, James E. Buttersworth

1853

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #14: Ship Dreadnought''''

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Yacht Race

1860 · Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17838 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

James E. Buttersworth, Yacht Race (1860)

1860

James Edward Buttersworth’s "Yacht Race" (1860) captures a dramatic maritime scene with masterful realism & romantic lighting. Explore this 19th-century oil painting's beauty!

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #16: Yacht Race

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17840 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Yachting Race in New York Harbor with Naval Salute at Castle William on Governor's Island by James E. Buttersworth

1870 · Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence · original 52.2 x 77.3cm

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #17: Yachting Race in New York Harbor with Naval Salute at Castle William on Governor's Island

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27177 × 52 cm Commission at original size

James E. Buttersworth: The steamship 'Glasgow' on fire off Nantucket, 31 July 1865: passengers and crew rescued by the 'Rosamund'

1865 · National Maritime Museum, London · original 45.5 x 61.0cm

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #18: The steamship 'Glasgow' on fire off Nantucket, 31 July 1865: passengers and crew rescued by the 'Rosamund'

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23261 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Ship in Trouble by James E. Buttersworth, 1865

1865 · New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #19: Ship in Trouble

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

New York Yacht Club Race – James E. Buttersworth

1871 · New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #20: New York Yacht Club Race

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Illuminating the Sea, 1868, James E. Buttersworth

1868

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #21: Illuminating the Sea

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17840 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Yacht 'Alice' Rounding the Buoy (1870)

1870

James Edward Buttersworth’s ‘Yacht Alice’ captures a dramatic 1870 seascape – a powerful ship battling turbulent waves under a stormy sky. Explore 19th-century maritime art!

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #22: Yacht 'Alice' Rounding the Buoy

Art Movement: Marine Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Chapman Dock and Old Brooklyn Navy Yard, East River, New York by James E. Buttersworth, 1870

1870

Admire James Buttersworth’s ‘Chapman Dock’ – a stunning 1870 oil on panel depicting NYC harbor life. A detailed maritime masterpiece for art collectors.

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #23: Chapman Dock and Old Brooklyn Navy Yard, East River, New York

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17849 × 20 cm Commission this artwork

Yacht Racing off Castle Garden, New York

1871

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Racing off Sandy Hook by James E. Buttersworth, 1875

1875

View the most popular artwork of James E. Buttersworth ranked #25: Racing off Sandy Hook

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 132 artworks by James E. Buttersworth
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17839 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

James E. Buttersworth

1817 – 1894

Quick facts

Movementsromanticism
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Top-ranked workThe Yacht Magic'' Defending America's Cup''
Lifespan77 years
Corpus themesmaritime tradition, buttersworth's signature, hudson river school, maritime romanticism, buttersworth's signature style
Top 3 worksThe Yacht Magic'' Defending America's Cup'', The Steam and Sail Ship Western Metropolis, Clipper in a Heavy Sea
Color intensitybalanced, monochromatic
Art period19th Century

Biography

The Legacy of a Maritime Visionary

James Edward Buttersworth stands as a monumental figure in nineteenth-century maritime art, celebrated for his unparalleled ability to capture the dynamism and grandeur of sailing vessels against turbulent seas. Born in London in 1817 to Thomas Buttersworth Jr., a respected marine artist himself, James inherited a lineage steeped in artistic tradition. This heritage profoundly shaped his distinctive style and an unwavering dedication to documenting the era’s racing competitions. His canvases are instantly recognizable for their meticulous detail, masterful brushwork, and an arresting sense of movement that transports viewers directly into the heart of naval history.

Buttersworth's formative years were spent honing his skills under his father’s tutelage, absorbing the delicate techniques of watercolor painting and developing a keen eye for capturing atmospheric conditions—a skill he would later translate into breathtaking oil paintings. Around 1845, he embarked on a transatlantic journey to New Jersey, establishing a studio in West Hoboken, where he continued to refine his craft and cultivate connections within the burgeoning American art scene. He maintained a Brooklyn studio as well, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to artistic pursuits across geographical boundaries.

Mastery of the Sea and the Racing Spirit

The artist's career was marked by a remarkable ability to blend technical precision with emotional resonance. Notably, Buttersworth returned to England in 1851 for the Race for the Hundred Pound Cup, a pivotal event that cemented his reputation as one of America’s foremost ship portraitists. His sketches and paintings from this competition represent the definitive record of the season's racing fervor, showcasing a remarkable understanding of naval strategy and visual storytelling. Through his brush, the tension of the wind in the sails and the spray of the salt water become palpable to the observer.

His artistic vision was deeply influenced by the principles of Romanticism, a movement characterized by an emphasis on emotion, imagination, and dramatic landscapes. Drawing inspiration from masters such as Turner and Constable, Buttersworth prioritized the expressive power of nature. This influence is evident in his treatment of the ocean, which he never depicted as a mere backdrop, but as a living, breathing protagonist in every scene. His work captures the duality of the sea: its terrifying, destructive potential during storms and its majestic, serene beauty under clear skies.

Historical Significance and Artistic Achievement

The significance of James Edward Buttersworth lies not only in his technical prowess but also in his role as a visual chronicler of a vanishing era. As the age of sail began to yield to the industrial revolution, his paintings preserved the dignity and complexity of the great sailing vessels that once dominated the world's oceans. His contributions to maritime art include:

Detailed Ship Portraiture: Providing an accurate and reverent record of naval architecture and rigging.
Atmospheric Storytelling: Using light and shadow to convey the unpredictable temperament of the Atlantic and beyond.
Documentary Excellence: Capturing the high-stakes drama of 19th-century yacht racing and maritime competition.

Today, Buttersworth’s work remains a cornerstone for collectors and historians alike. His ability to marry the precision of a draftsman with the soul of a Romantic painter ensures that his legacy continues to inspire awe, offering a window into a time when the horizon was a frontier of adventure and the sea was the ultimate test of human spirit and craftsmanship.

Questions & Answers

Is there an overview of all the subjects James E. Buttersworth painted?

James E. Buttersworth's works can be explored by subject on the artist's Subject Atlas page.

Where are James E. Buttersworth's artworks grouped by palette?

To find works by James E. Buttersworth in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.

Is there a 3D virtual tour of James E. Buttersworth's works?

James E. Buttersworth's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.

By the TopImpressionists.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your James E. Buttersworth

Every artwork by James E. Buttersworth in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by James E. Buttersworth