Italian Palatial Oil Portrait of the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry by Antonio Vincent Mid 20th Century, after Famous 1812 English Masterpiece by Sir Thomas Lawrence

This impressive equestrian portrait is a high-quality oil on canvas copy of Sir Thomas Lawrence’s 1812 masterpiece depicting Charles William Vane-Stewart, the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry. The painting captures the celebrated “Soldier Marquess” in his full, vivid hussar uniform, standing regally beside his dark charger against a dramatic, arched architectural background. Measuring approximately 40 by 29 inches, this work is housed in a substantial and ornate gilt wood and composition frame that features intricate floral and scrollwork carvings, bringing the total framed dimensions to nearly 50 by 40 inches. The piece masterfully recreates the romanticized military elegance of the Regency era, making it a commanding focal point for any traditional study, library, or grand hallway. It is in excellent condition, with the rich reds and crisp whites of the uniform remaining exceptionally vibrant.

While the original composition dates to the early 19th century, this particular work is a mid-to-late 20th-century hand-painted copy, signed in the lower right corner by the artist Vincent  Antonio. Active in the mid-20th century (c. 1920–1980), Antonio was a prolific painter specializing in high-fidelity recreations of Old Master and Regency-era portraits, known for his ability to capture the specific “swagger” and brushwork of artists like Lawrence. His works were frequently commissioned for grand estate decor and high-end galleries to offer the aesthetic of a museum-grade masterpiece. While these copies were often sold through European and British galleries, many were produced in established studios in Italy, which was a major hub for high-quality “Old Master” style reproductions during the mid-20th century. The subject of the portrait, Charles William Vane-Stewart (1778–1854), was a legendary figure of the Napoleonic Wars known to his family as “Fighting Charlie.” A brave cavalry leader who fought in over 25 battles, he served as the Duke of Wellington’s Adjutant-General and later became a prominent diplomat at the Congress of Vienna. Interestingly, he is also the great-grandfather of Sir Winston Churchill.

The original masterpiece by Lawrence is a cornerstone of British portraiture and is currently held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London, where it is frequently on public display in the Regency galleries. These decorative pieces remain highly sought after by collectors for their impressive scale and the quality of their traditional gilding, often achieving strong results when paired with such substantial, period-style frames.