This crisp and colorful work shows what is believed to be the frigate H.M.S. CAROLINE, the nimble sixth-rater aboard which the artist served as an able-bodied seaman and later midshipman. In a superbly detailed composition, CAROLINE is shown off Shakespeare head, Dover with all sails set except her main and mizzen courses.

With the trademark precision that was the standard for Buttersworth and his descendants, Thomas Jr. and James Edward, the minute detail of CAROLINE and the surrounding vessels fills this work with an uncommon realism. Both of the foreground pilot boats are well portrayed, and note the crew lining CAROLINE's deck and the sharp delineation of the two vessels off her stern.

Buttersworth's royal navy experience along with his noted artistic skills, culminated in some of the most accurate and appealing marine paintings of his era. This small work, in exceptional condition for a painting from this period, is a noteable example of the elder Buttersworth's command of his genre.