Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler, Lady Butler (1846-1933)

Well known for her military battle scenes, Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler (Lady Butler), was one of few female painters to receive recognition for historical paintings. During her education, Lady Butler concentrated on painting religious subjects, however, she was switched subjects after seeing the work of French painters chronicling heroic battle scenes. Her paintings like The 28th Regiment at Quatre Bras fed the imagination and patriotism of the British Empire, while also showing the suffering and costs of war. While Lady Butler’s work reflected the romanticism of the growing British Empire, she also made sure to make them as real in detail as possible, conveying the true feelings war: confusion and exhaustion.

Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler (British, 1846-1933) The Defence of Rorke’s Drift, 1880 Oil on canvas 120.2 x 214 The Royal Collection

Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler (British, 1846-1933) Remnants of an Army, 1879 Oil on canvas 132.1 x 233.7 cm Tate Britain

Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler (British, 1846-1933) The 28th Regiment at Quatre Bras, 1875 Oil on canvas 97.2 x 216 cm National Gallery of Victoria

Elizabeth Southerden Thompson Butler (British, 1846-1933) Scotland Forever!, 1881 Oil on canvas 101.6 x 194.3 cm Leeds Art Gallery