This painting has as its central theme the ship “Dunira”, owned by the English East Indies Company, passing by Funchal’s bay, probably on its way to India, in 1839, a date which coincides with one of the last trips it completed to the East, between 1830-1831.

Contrasted by a sky painted with soft lilac tones and a relatively agitated sea, “Dunira” appears in its greatness, valued by the atmosphere, where lighting is skillfully directed at the ship.

On the background, we can observe a panoramic view, with a rare and unusual perspective, including the totality of Funchal’s bay and its architecture.

This painting, sponsored to Thomas Buttersworth by the ship’s Captain, Montgomerie Hamilton, in order to celebrate the 20 years of his career, constitutes an important contribution to the comprehension and study of Funchal city’s iconography, and for the understanding of the relationships and importance that Madeira island had in the maritime, commercial and navigation routes of the english colonial empire.

Thomas Buttersworth (1768-1842), just like other english school painters of the late 18th century, Nicholas Pocock, Robert Dodd, Thomas Luny, Thomas Thicombe, distinguished himself in the represetantion of maritime themes.

The composition is enriched by the representation of certain details, like for example the figures of seaman on top of the masts, managing and orientating the sails of the ship.

On the other hand, the topographic rigour is evident, with a concern on signalling and identifying certain emblematic buildings of the city, like “Igreja do Monte,” “Forte do Ilhéu”, or “Pilar de Banger”, on the other side, the artist reveals a fantastical side through his innacurate representation of the houses, whose location is adjusted to the overal composition of the theme.

The Honourable East India Company’s Ship Dunira Passing Funchal Bay, Island of Madeira| Escola Inglesa, Thomas Buttersworth | 1830 | Óleo sobre tela| A. 82 x L. 122cm| MQC 2398 
©PedroClode 2009