John Butts (painter)

John Butts (1728-1764) was an Irish painter, primarily known for his landscape and decorative work. Born in County Cork, Ireland, he received early training from his father. He subsequently studied in London and developed a style influenced by artists such as George Lambert.

Butts returned to Ireland and established himself as a successful artist. He received commissions for decorative panels and overdoors in several prominent Irish houses, including those of the Duke of Leinster and the Earl of Shannon. His landscape paintings often feature idealized scenes with classical architectural elements and figures. Though his career was relatively short, due to his early death at the age of 36, John Butts is considered an important figure in 18th-century Irish art and decorative painting. He is recorded as having trained a number of pupils. Examples of his work are held in collections such as the National Gallery of Ireland.