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George Edmund Butler Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by George Edmund Butler our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide George Edmund Butler · 1872 – 1936

W. Porter, RMLI

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

A striking portrait of W. Porter, RMLI by George Edmund Butler (1872-1936), capturing his authority as a New Zealand war artist. Oil on panel, 1920.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

W. Puttick, Rifle Brigade

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

George Edmund Butler’s 1920 portrait of a Rifle Brigade veteran. Oil on canvas, showcasing realistic brushwork & military symbolism. A dignified study in texture and form.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

J. Wilson, RMA

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler’s masterful portrait of J. Wilson, RMA – a striking depiction from 1920 housed at Bristol Museum. Explore the artist's legacy and discover similar works on ArtsDot.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

G. Marshman, 62nd

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire 'G. Marshman, 62nd' by George Edmund Butler (1920), a poignant portrait capturing a sailor’s reflection. A masterful blend of realism and emotion from a New Zealand war artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

J. Lasbury, RMLI

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler's 'J. Lasbury, RMLI,' a captivating portrait capturing the officer’s dedication and precision. Explore this detailed oil painting from 1920, showcasing Butler’s artistic skill.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

James George, RN 3rd

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

A captivating portrait of James George, RN 3rd by George Edmund Butler (1920). Witness the dignified presence of a New Zealand military officer through masterful oil painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

J. Cadwallader, RN

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler’s ‘J. Cadwallader, RN’. A detailed 1920 painting of a contemplative man in black. Hand-painted reproduction available – exquisite art for your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

E. Gillard, Rifle Brigade

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Explore George Edmund Butler's evocative oil painting of Rifle Brigade officer E. Gillard (c.1920), documenting the First World War experience of New Zealand’s NZEF. Discover more at Art UK.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

C. Pippett, RA

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler's 'H. Fussell, LTC,' a captivating 1920 portrait showcasing military detail and realism. A remarkable piece from Bristol Museum - Art Gallery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

C. Parson, RA

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Portrait of C. Parson by George Edmund Butler (1920). Explore this evocative oil painting featuring a mature man in a realistic style, notable for its textured brushwork and earthy tones.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

W. J. Ford, 13th, 25th 39th

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

George Edmund Butler's 'W.J. Ford, 13th, 25th & 39th' is a poignant portrait capturing a dignified figure from 1920. Explore the life and art of this New Zealand war artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

J. Lennon, RA

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler’s striking portrait of J. Lennon, R.A., a poignant WWI war artist's depiction from 1920. A beautiful reproduction of this historical piece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

H. Fussell, LTC

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler's 'H. Fussell, LTC,' a captivating 1920 portrait showcasing military detail and realism. A remarkable piece from Bristol Museum - Art Gallery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

W. Barnes, 97th

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Discover 'W. Barnes, 97th' by George Edmund Butler – a captivating portrait of a military officer from 1920. Explore intricate details & historical context of this remarkable oil painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

W. H. McKegg, RN

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

This striking black and white painting portrays a man in uniform with a captain's hat, reflecting Butler's role as an official WWI war artist documenting New Zealand’s experiences. Featuring a medal and detailed observation of the subject, it exemplifies Butler’s artistic talent.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

W. Short, RMLI

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

This striking black-and-white painting depicts a man wearing a captain’s hat and medal, reflecting George Edmund Butler’s role as an official war artist documenting the experiences of New Zealand during World War I. Created in 1920, it showcases his meticulous attention to detail and patriotic dedication.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

R. Germain, 4th

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Discover George Edmund Butler’s ‘R. Germain, 4th’ – a striking black & white portrait from 1920. Explore this oil on panel masterpiece at the Bristol Museum & its Impressionistic style.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

Yeamans and Bowcher Surprised While Plotting to Deliver Bristol Castle to the King, 1643

View the most popular artwork of George Edmund Butler ranked #18: Yeamans and Bowcher Surprised While Plotting to Deliver Bristol Castle to the King, 1643

1915 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 45 x 60 cm

Experience the dramatic tension of Yeamans and Bowcher Surprised While Plotting to Deliver Bristol Castle to the King, 1643 by George Edmund Butler; own this captivating historical tableau today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22560 × 45 cm Commission at original size

W. Lavington, RN

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire George Edmund Butler's 'W. Lavington, RN' (1920), a striking portrait of a British naval officer. Explore this oil on panel masterpiece’s detail and historical significance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

C. Clothier, 6th

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Discover George Edmund Butler's poignant war art depicting New Zealand soldiers during WWI. This captivating painting showcases his skill and patriotic spirit, offering a glimpse into wartime experiences.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

For the Faith of Their Fathers, Bristol, 1682

1917 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 119 x 177 cm

Discover 'For the Faith of Their Fathers, Bristol, 1682' by George Edmund Butler – a historical painting depicting 17th-century life. Explore this Victorian masterpiece online.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$760177 × 119 cm Commission at original size

J. Ashton, 4th Ft

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Admire 'J. Ashton, 4th Ft' by George Edmund Butler – a captivating portrait from 1920. A masterful oil painting showcasing a distinguished gentleman’s presence. Explore the art.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

R. H. Collins, 28th

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

Discover 'R. H. Collins, 28th' by George Edmund Butler – a captivating early 20th-century portrait painting. Explore its history, artistic details & the story of the artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

J. C. Milton, 3rd

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

George Edmund Butler (1872-1936): British painter of landscapes & portraits, renowned as an official WWI NZEF war artist. Explore his evocative oils & watercolours.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

H. Fitzpatrick, 97th

1920 · Bristol Museum - Art Gallery, Bristol · original 23 x 13 cm

A striking black and white portrait of a uniformed man with a medal by George Edmund Butler captures the solemnity of 1920s military life, offering a profound piece for collectors to cherish.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 55 artworks by George Edmund Butler
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17523 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

George Edmund Butler

1872 – 1936

Quick facts

Color intensitybalanced, monochromatic
Emotional tonereflective
Topics exploredportraiture, portrait, military, uniform, british art
Corpus themespatriotic duty, british imperialism, portraiture, military service, formal portraiture
Art periodModern
Works on APS55
Also known asG.E. Butler, George Bruestle, George Matthew Bruestle
Mediumsoil on panel

Biography

A Life Bridging Continents: The Artistic Journey of George Edmund Butler

George Edmund Butler, a name perhaps less instantly recognizable than some of his contemporaries, nevertheless occupies a significant place in the landscape of early 20th-century British and New Zealand art. Born in Southampton, England, in 1872, Butler’s life was one of constant movement and artistic exploration, ultimately culminating in a poignant role as an official war artist documenting the experiences of his adopted homeland, New Zealand, during the tumultuous years of World War I. His story is not merely that of a painter; it's a narrative woven with threads of emigration, rigorous academic training, professional ambition, and a deep sense of patriotic duty. The family’s relocation to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1883, when Butler was eleven, proved formative, instilling within him a connection to the burgeoning artistic community of his new home while simultaneously setting the stage for a lifelong dialogue between European tradition and the unique light and landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere. Early studies under James Nairn at the Wellington School of Design provided a crucial foundation, nurturing a talent that quickly became apparent in his seascapes – works that captured the raw beauty and often unforgiving nature of the New Zealand coastline.

From European Academies to Artistic Recognition

Driven by an ambition to hone his skills and immerse himself in the heart of artistic innovation, Butler embarked on a period of intensive study in Europe between 1898 and 1900. This wasn’t a casual foray; it was a deliberate pursuit of mastery. He married Sarah Jane Popplestone in England before dedicating himself to rigorous training at the Lambeth School of Art, followed by the prestigious Académie Julian in Paris – where he earned honors – and finally, the Antwerp Academy, achieving the remarkable distinction of winning both a gold medal and laurel wreath. These institutions weren’t simply places of instruction; they were crucibles where Butler absorbed the prevailing artistic currents, refined his technique, and developed a sophisticated understanding of composition, color theory, and form. Upon returning to New Zealand in 1900, he exhibited his work before settling in Dunedin from 1901-1905. Despite critical acclaim, financial pressures led him to supplement his income through teaching and portrait commissions – a common struggle for artists striving to establish themselves. This period, however, was crucial in solidifying his reputation and demonstrating his versatility. In 1905, Butler made the pivotal decision to return to England, settling in Bristol where he took a position teaching art at Clifton College. It was here that his talent truly began to flourish, leading to his election into the Royal West of England Academy in 1912 – a testament to his growing stature within the British art world. His work also gained recognition at the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Scottish Academy, solidifying his position as a respected landscape and portrait painter.

Bearing Witness: Butler as Official War Artist

The outbreak of World War I dramatically altered the course of Butler’s career, presenting him with an opportunity to combine his artistic skill with a profound sense of national duty. His New Zealand connections and established reputation led to his appointment as an official war artist for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in September 1918, holding the honorary rank of captain. This wasn’t merely about creating aesthetically pleasing depictions of battlefields; it was about documenting the realities of war – the courage, the suffering, and the sheer human cost of conflict. Butler meticulously sketched military operations, often working under incredibly challenging conditions, sometimes even while under fire. These sketches served as the foundation for larger paintings created after his return from active service. Following the armistice, he received private commissions from Robert Heaton Rhodes and Major General Sir Andrew Hamilton Russell to create a series of portraits of senior officers and evocative landscapes depicting New Zealand battlefield sites along the Western Front. The significance of these works was immediately recognized; the New Zealand government subsequently purchased them for preservation in national archives, ensuring that Butler’s visual record would endure as a powerful testament to the sacrifices made by New Zealand soldiers.

A Lasting Legacy: Art and Remembrance

George Edmund Butler never returned to New Zealand after the war. He remarried following the death of his first wife and continued painting in England until his death in Twickenham in 1936. While he may not be a household name, his contribution to both British and New Zealand art history is undeniable. His paintings and sketches offer invaluable insights into the landscapes, personalities, and events of World War I, providing a visual record that complements written accounts and personal testimonies. His work transcends mere documentation; it’s an emotional response to conflict, imbued with a sense of empathy and respect for those who served. The portraits he created are not simply likenesses; they capture the weight of responsibility and the quiet dignity of leadership during wartime. The landscapes, too, are more than just topographical representations; they evoke the atmosphere of loss and resilience that permeated the battlefields of Europe. Butler’s legacy lies in his ability to bridge continents and experiences, creating art that speaks to universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the human spirit. His work continues to be studied and appreciated today, serving as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in history and the artists who bore witness to it.

Exploring Butler’s Oeuvre

Today, examples of George Edmund Butler's artistry can be found in museum collections and private holdings around the world. Works such as “G. Sandford, 28th” (1920) and “R. Germain, 4th” (1920), both housed at the Bristol Museum, showcase his mastery of portraiture, characterized by a keen eye for detail and a subtle understanding of character. “J. Price, 28th”, another striking example from this period, demonstrates his ability to capture personality through impasto technique and nuanced brushwork. These portraits are not merely representations of individuals; they are windows into the lives and experiences of those who lived through a transformative era.

Butler’s landscapes often feature dramatic skies and evocative lighting, creating a sense of atmosphere and mood.
His war sketches, though often small in scale, possess a remarkable immediacy and emotional impact.
Throughout his career, Butler demonstrated a versatility that allowed him to work effectively in both oils and watercolours.

Exploring his oeuvre reveals an artist deeply committed to capturing the beauty and complexity of the world around him – a commitment that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Questions & Answers

Can I explore George Edmund Butler's works by color spectrum?

The Spectral Index page organizes George Edmund Butler's artworks by color.

Is there a 3D virtual tour of George Edmund Butler's works?

The 3D Museum of George Edmund Butler is a page that displays the artist's artworks in a virtual three-dimensional gallery.

How popular are George Edmund Butler's artworks?

The Stats page of George Edmund Butler presents statistics computed from the artist's artworks listed on this website.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was George Edmund Butler born?
What role did Butler fulfill during World War I?
Which art academy did Butler *not* study at?
After the war, who commissioned portraits and landscapes from Butler depicting New Zealand battlefield sites?
What was one way Butler supplemented his income while living in Dunedin, New Zealand?

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two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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