The paintings of American artist Thomas Chambers depict the cosmopolitan and folk styles of the early nineteenth century, and are particularly well-received by art enthusiasts. Chambers embraced the tastes of his patrons, as well as the taste of the newly middle-class audience. In addition, his maritime and landscape subjects reflect his own cosmopolitan and literary sensibilities. The American Folk Art Exhibition places his works within the history of American folk art.

For most of his life, Chambers' work was influenced by the scenery of the early American landscape. He was a big fan of Jacques Milbert and William H. Bartlett, and many of his paintings are copies of their works. Nevertheless, Chambers was primarily a marine painter, and his best works depict the naval battles and folk scenes. While this type of genre is unsuitable for modern collectors, his paintings remain a treasure trove of information.