Early 19TH Century art of pirates in action is quite rare, and the Buttersworth family of artists are well represented in this elusive subject, perhaps more than any other. Leading this count are their interpretations of the British Folk Legend of the Pirate WILLWATCH. The inspiration comes from an actual historic account, turned in some channels to a song that celebrates the Pirate man "Will Watch" while other stories and depictions make note of a pirate ship of that name. The romance of the 17TH & 18TH Century pirate legends had taken hold of the British populace, and the more depraved acts had begun to be forgotten, whereas the report of fresh atrocities where beginning to surface again in the Far East and West Indies routes. Britains longed for their "gentlemen outlaws" of earlier days, rather than reported losses from oceans far from home.
Withstanding the speculation of the subject's origins, the painting is definitely by the younger Thomas Buttersworth. Even without the clear yet faint signature, the stylized elements speak for its creator. Heavy clouds with a illuminated break in the sky is a family tradition in paintings, and the elongated ships beneath sharp-set sails he learned from his father. The naval ship is firing in pursuit, while the pirate lugger with its stern guns blazing in response. The lugger is flying a pirate flag, crossed swords over a skull, indicating that they're prepared to use lethal combat in battle or when taking a prize. From the perforations by cannonball in both ships' sails, their fate had yet to be decided herein.
