Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry
- Artist: Sir Thomas Lawrence
- Date: 1812
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: overall: 56 1/2 x 46 3/8 in.; 1435 x 1180 mm
- Portrays: Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is a bright oil on canvas painted in 1812 by Sir Thomas Lawrence. The sitter, Charles William Vane‑Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, stands in full Hussar regalia – the polished cuirass, the feathered hat and a gleaming Peninsular Medal that recalls his heroics at Talavera in 1809. The medal hangs beside the ribbon and star of the Order of Bath, lending the portrait an almost ceremonial sparkle.
Lawrence’s brush catches every flourish: the sheen on the officer’s polished boots, the fine weave of the sash, the subtle play of light on his face. Notice how he balances the uniform’s flamboyance with a calm confidence in the eyes.
The picture was more than a formal likeness; it marked Lawrence’s career breakthrough. The Marquess sent a print to the Prince Regent, and the ensuing royal patronage led to a whole series of heroic commander portraits for Windsor’s Waterloo Chamber. In short, this canvas captures both a soldier’s triumph and an artist’s ascent into national prominence.
See it in person
Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
