Edit Object 3327206

James E. Buttersworth was an extraordinary talent, capable of great expression in paintings both large and small. Here we have an example of one of his miniature gems and it's packed just as full with detail, skill, history and interest as the best of his larger canvases.

This is a rare scene for Buttersworth, depicting the French port of Calais. Though as the city is the closest to England, only 21 miles across the English Channel, it's not really far afield. Here a group of yachts sail alongside the cliffs while merchant and fishing vessels approach the harbor's entrance. This must be a race of some interest, as we can see the small dots of many spectators lining the cliffs overlooking the sea. In the foreground three men aboard a small boat row out to deliver a pilot to one of the ships waiting to enter Calais Harbor.

On the right of the painting we see a landmark of Calais which was already old in Buttersworth's time, Fort Rouge. Built on stilts, Fort Rouge was built during the Napoleonic Wars, in 1695, to strengthen the harbor's defenses after an English attack of 40 ships the year before. Fort Rouge actually sat out in the harbor, unattached to land which is somewhat hard to see from this viewpoint. She held a small garrison of fifteen soldiers which could be increased to 50 if necessary and was defended by twelve guns. 
To the far right in the distance are the spires of Notre Dame de Calais, an even older landmark of the city which unlike Fort Rouge, still remains today.

The left of the painting is bathed in a golden light with small cloud formations dotting the pastel skies. This backlights the sails making them appear warm in the rising sunlight. There is a stiff breeze from the sea, lifting the ship's flags and burgees along with the Fort's Tricolor. Buttersworth's deft brushwork shows in many small strokes the lift of the waves as they lap against the ships and shore.

The outstanding detail present Buttersworth's best works is particularly highlighted in a miniature such as this one. A rare find that just came out of a private collection where it was held for more than 40 years.

In excellent condition, titled verso, Off Calais, France.

Select a Type
American Ship Portrait
Barometers
Bells
Binnacles & Compasses
Binoculars
Book Maritime
Book Voyages
Books
Books General
Boylhart Collection
Builders Full Models
Builders Half-Model
Canes - Decorative
Canes - Gimmick
Cannons
Carving
Chronometers
Clocks
Contemporary Art
Contemporary Models
Decorative Art - Boxes
Dieppe Models
Diorama Models
Diving Helmets & Equipment
Dockyard Models
Edged Weapons
Engravings
Figureheads
Firearms
Fishing Equipment
Folk Art Models
Furniture
Glass and Pottery
Globes
Jewelry
Joe & Lisa's Art Collection
Lamps
Letters
Lighthouse Artifacts
Limited-Edition Prints
Lithographs
Maps & Charts
Marine Narrative
Marine Narrative at Sea
Medical
Microscopes
Miscellaneous Artifacts
Navigation Instruments - Compass
Navigation Instruments
Navigation Instruments - Sextant
Octants, Quadrants & Backstaffs
Original art
Other Models
Painted Photograph
Passenger Liner Memorabilia
Patent Models
Period Models
Photographs
Pond Models
Pottery
Prints
Prisoner-of-War Artifacts
Prisoner-of-War Models
Sailor Crafts
Sailor Valentines
Sailor Woolworks
Scrimshaw Artifacts
Scrimshaw Private
Scrimshaw Teeth
Sea Chests
Sextants
Ship Clocks
Ship Hardwares
Ship in a Bottle
Ship Log Books
Ships Flogging Whip
Signed Documents
Silver and Silver Plated Models
Speaking Trumpets
Statues
Steam Engine Models
Steam Models
Sundials
Sword
Tankards & Pitchers
Telescopes
Tillers, Rudders & Yokes
Toy Models
Trinity Boxes
Trophys & Presentions
Voyages & Travels
Watches
Whaling