"The Battle of Bunker Hill" by Jim Butcher, Original Oil Painting on Canvas

This original oil painting on canvas, entitled The Battle of Bunker Hill, was painted by Jim Butcher. The work originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the 18 cent U.S. Battle of Yorktown stamp, commemorating the Bicentennial of the Battle of Yorktown issued on October 16, 1981, as well as the 10 cent U.S. Battle of Bunker Hill Bicentennial stamp, originally issued on June 17, 1975, in commemoration of the first major confrontation between opposing American and British forces during our nation's Revolutionary War. Butcher signed the work near the bottom right edge. Presented in an archival custom frame, the painting depicts the dramatic Revolutionary War battle, capturing the intensity of the battle. 

The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. The battle is named after Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Although it was the original objective of both the Colonial and British troops, the area was only peripherally involved in the battle. Rather, the majority of the combat took place on the adjacent Breed’s Hill. The battle pitted a more organized British force against a young, inexperienced American militia.

Although considered a tactical victory for the British, it came at the cost of considerable casualties, including a large number of officers. The battle demonstrated that the inexperienced militia was able to stand up to the British army troops in battle. The battle results discouraged the British from any further frontal attacks against well-defended front lines. American casualties were comparatively fewer, although their losses included General Joseph Warren.

Artist Jim Butcher (American, 1944- )was born in Maryland. He studied art at the Maryland Institute College of Art, graduating in 1966. Upon graduation, Butcher enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was trained as a jet engine mechanic. He was assigned to VMCJ-1 photo reconnaissance squadron stationed at Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam in March, 1967. While in Da Nang, he was recruited into the USMC Combat Art Program, where he produced works based on his experiences in the field with active Marine combat units and aviation missions. Returning from Vietnam, Butcher was assigned to duties as ambassador for the USMC’s combat art collection in Washington, D.C., working in public relations with civilian, government, and military organizations. He contributed over 100 works to the permanent collection of the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia.

In 1969, Butcher worked at Major & Keesey, a commercial art studio in Baltimore. In 1971, he embarked on a freelance career producing work for advertising agencies, book and magazine publishers, and art departments of various colleges and government agencies. In 1974, Butcher joined New York Artist Representatives, Inc. and received assignments from NASA, General Motors, CBS Television, Wells Fargo, Clint Eastwood Productions, and others. In the mid-1980s, he began taking formal portrait commissions, and has since painted over 120 portraits.

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Original oil painting on canvas. Colors are vibrant and bright. Signed by the artist in the lower right, in canvas margins, in black paint. Stretched on a wooden frame. The back of the frame has the original Fleetwood Division of Unicover Corporation copyright red inked stamp, blue Unicover Corporation property inventory number label, and printed inventory label. Image Size: 16” H x 15.75” W. Canvas Size: 20” H x 20”W. 

Painting has been artfully framed to the highest archival standards, with custom built frame, linen spacer, and new backing paper.

Framed Dimensions: 25 1/8"H x 25"W x 1 3/4"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.