Marine Oil Painting USS Constitution Old Ironsides Captures HMS Cyane & HMS Levant

War of 1812 Marine Oil Painting — USS Constitution “Old Ironsides” Captures HMS Cyane & HMS Levant (c.1830) English School, circa 1830 — in the manner of Thomas Buttersworth (1768–1842) Antique oil on canvas (relined), framed A powerful and atmospheric antique marine oil painting depicting the legendary American frigate USS Constitution—celebrated as “Old Ironsides”—locked in dramatic close action with two British warships amid rolling seas, gun smoke and breaking light. The scene is plausibly inspired by the celebrated late-war War of 1812 engagement of 20 February 1815, when Constitution fought and captured HMS Cyane and HMS Levant, a compelling two-against-one episode long admired by collectors of Americana, naval history and marine art. Description This richly staged early-19th-century battle-piece is designed for maximum visual impact in the classic British marine tradition associated with Thomas Buttersworth and his circle. The viewer is brought close to the action: hulls are presented at a readable angle, masts and yards rake the sky, and rigging cuts sharply through drifting smoke. The sea is not background decoration—it is actively worked into a wind-driven, rolling surface that amplifies tension and momentum. Layered smoke hangs across the mid-distance, partially obscuring forms and creating the authentic confusion of battle at sea. Dramatic control of light heightens contrast between storm-grey passages and brighter breaks that pick out sails, flags and the hard geometry of spars and hulls. The result is a convincing, romanticised “felt experience” of naval action rather than a literal record of manoeuvres. Historical interest For collectors, USS Constitution occupies a unique position as both a fighting ship and a cultural emblem of early United States naval identity. The capture of Cyane and Levant reinforced the frigate’s reputation and became ideal subject matter for 19th-century art and print—exactly the kind of historically charged maritime imagery that continues to appeal to marine painting collectors, War of 1812 enthusiasts, and buyers seeking patriotic Americana for a library, study or curated interior. Attribution Offered as English School, circa 1830, executed in the manner of Thomas Buttersworth (1768–1842), one of the best-known British marine painters of the late Georgian and early Victorian period. Works associated with this manner typically emphasise strong ship silhouettes, theatrical skies, active seas and clearly staged narratives—qualities evident here. Medium Oil on canvas (relined) Unsigned (entirely consistent with English School marine paintings made for the decorative and collector market during this period) Dimensions (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. Strong wall presence and well matched to the painting’s period character. 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. Antique marine painting, marine oil painting, War of 1812 painting, USS Constitution Old Ironsides painting, antique naval battle painting, English School oil painting, Thomas Buttersworth manner, antique maritime art, 19th century marine painting, Americana maritime painting, British marine art, gilt framed oil painting, antique seascape oil painting.