| J. C. Buttre | |
| Birth Date: | 10 June 1821 |
| Birth Place: | Auburn, New York, U.S |
| Death Place: | Ridgewood, New Jersey, U.S |
| Occupation: | Steel-plate engraver, lithographer |
| Children: | Lillian C. Buttre |
| Signature: | Signature of John Chester Buttre (1821–1893).png |
John Chester Buttre (June 10, 1821 – December 2, 1893), was an American steel-plate engraver and lithographer, responsible for some 3,000 engraved portraits of American political, naval and military personalities. He published The American Portrait Gallery in three volumes (1880 - 81) with text by his daughter, Lillian C. Buttre.
John Chester Buttre was born in Auburn, New York on June 10, 1821.[1] He received his first drawing tuition from Hulaniski, a Polish exile living in Auburn. Later he applied himself to the study of portrait-painting. He was, however, better suited to drawing and wood-engraving. His work improving, he carried on the business of general engraver, producing card-plates, wood-cuts for newspapers and engraving silver-ware.
Arriving in New York in 1841, he devoted himself to steel-plate engraving, at which he soon became successful, his work appearing in many magazines and newspapers. He produced a widely acclaimed full-length portrait of President James Buchanan in 1858, together with a full-length portrait of Martha Washington. His Civil War work included sentimental images such as The Empty Sleeve, Only a Little Brook and Prayer in Camp, all of which sold well.[2]
A resident of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Buttre died at his home there on December 2, 1893.[1] [3]