triptych, 4.5 x 9 inches
Fredrick Butman – Triptych
Frederick Butman, born in Bangor, ME in 1820, made significant contributions as both an apothecary and an artist. Operating an apothecary shop in Gardiner, ME, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the local gas and water company. Despite lacking formal instruction, Butman ventured into painting figure studies.
In 1857, Butman arrived in San Francisco, where he made a notable mark as one of the earliest California artists exclusively dedicated to landscapes. At the Mechanics’ Institute Fair, he exhibited the earliest known painting of Yosemite Valley, showcasing his artistic prowess.
The 1860s saw Butman expanding his artistic horizons, working in Oregon’s Columbia River area and Washington, in addition to his continued focus on Yosemite. His exhibitions in San Francisco featured a diverse range of mountain scenes, portraying the beauty of landmarks such as Mt Shasta, Mt Hood, and Lake Tahoe.
In 1867, Butman returned to the East, where he presented his Western scenes to an enthusiastic audience. A European trip followed, during which he sketched in France, the Pyrenees, and the Swiss Alps. Returning to San Francisco in 1869, he painted around 80 works, earning high praise from the local press.
Throughout his lifetime, Butman’s artwork commanded significant sums of money, reflecting the value placed on his talent. Tragically, he was at the cusp of producing some of his finest work when he returned to Maine for a family visit. Unexpectedly, Frederick Butman passed away in Gardiner on July 26, 1871, leaving behind a legacy of artistic achievement and contribution to the California landscape art scene.
