Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry

Sitterback to top

• Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854), Soldier and diplomat. Sitter associated with 33 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy. Artist associated with 682 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This magnificent military portrait of the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry by Thomas Lawrence shows the subject as a dashing cavalry officer. He served under Wellington during the Peninsular Wars (1809-12) and under General Blücher in Prussia (1813-14). Londonderry was known for his impetuous courage and he is depicted here with brilliance and swagger, wearing his Hussar uniform and the Peninsular Medal which he was awarded after the Battle of Talavera (1809). The painter and his subject were close friends and this portrait was thought to be Lawrence's best by the contemporary commentator Joseph Farrington. Its martial vitality anticipated the heroic air of the celebrated series of allied commanders Lawrence was to paint for the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor from 1814.

Related worksback to top

• NPG D37415: Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (source portrait)
• NPG D3609: Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (source portrait)
• NPG D37416: Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry (source portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Essay by Richard Holmes, Thomas Lawrence Portraits, 2010 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 21 October 2010 - 23 January 2011), p. 53
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 387

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Thomas Lawrence Portraits (21 October 2010 - 23 January 2011)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Hats and head-attire
• On display at the Gallery
• Regency tour
• Regency War Heroes and Military Martyrs