Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
English School, circa 1830 — in the manner of Thomas Buttersworth (1768–1842)
Oil on canvas (relined), framed
A richly atmospheric early-19th-century marine battle painting centred on the legendary American heavy frigate USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), shown in close engagement amid gun-smoke, spray and breaking light. The subject is plausibly inspired by the frigate’s celebrated late-war action of 20 February 1815, when Constitution fought and captured HMS Cyane and HMS Levant—a dramatic two-against-one episode that became enduring naval iconography for collectors of War of 1812 and Americana maritime art.
Subject and medium
Oil on canvas (relined)
English School, circa 1830
Executed in the manner of Thomas Buttersworth (1768–1842)
Unsigned (common for English School marine paintings of this period)
Composition and technique
The viewer is pulled close to the action with readable ship angles, raking masts and yards, and rigging geometry cutting through drifting smoke. The sea is actively “worked” as a wind-driven, rolling surface that amplifies momentum and violence, while layered smoke partially veils forms to capture the true battlefield atmosphere of naval combat. Controlled light heightens drama—storm-grey passages set against brighter breaks that pick out sail planes, flags and the hard edges of hull and spar—creating a convincing romantic battle-piece idiom associated with the Buttersworth circle and followers.
About the battle (War of 1812)
On 20 February 1815, USS Constitution encountered HMS Cyane and HMS Levant and brought both to action. The appeal of the narrative is immediate: a single famous American warship engaging two British opponents—rare, compelling, and ideally suited to commemoration in paint. This work communicates the essential character of the encounter: ships under press of sail, close-quarters gunnery, and the distinctive atmosphere of smoke, spray, and wind-torn canvas.
Historical significance and collecting appeal
For collectors, USS Constitution occupies a unique position as both a formidable fighting frigate and a cultural emblem of early United States naval identity. The capture of Cyane and Levant carried particular resonance at the end of the conflict and helped elevate Constitution into legend. As a result, War of 1812 marine paintings of this type remain highly desirable for:
Americana collectors
naval history enthusiasts
marine painting connoisseurs
institutions and maritime collections
Size (approx.)
Canvas: 59 × 49 cm
Framed: 74 cm (W) × 64 cm (H)
Frame depth: 4.5 cm
(Measurements are approximate, to the nearest practical centimetre.)
Frame
Presented in a substantial, ornate giltwood frame of classical profile with foliate ornament and an inner beaded (“pearled”) slip. Excellent wall presence; well suited to a library, study, office, or curated maritime interior.
Provenance
From a private Oxfordshire marine collection (per consignor), retaining a Right Angle Gallery, Brackley historic framing label, and subsequently sold through notable auction house JS Fine Art Auctioneers. Curated and offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD (Fine Art Trade Guild member). Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum in January 2026.
Condition report
Overall in good antique condition consistent with age. The canvas has been relined; the paint surface presents as stable with expected historic craquelure and foxing patina. Minor historic overpainting is present, specifically to part of the sail of the third ship along and to a small area of the lower sea. These are limited restorations and do not detract from the
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
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Antique Marine Oil Painting: Old Ironsides Uss Constitution Captures Hms Cyane & Hms Levant
