Portrait of Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney by Gilbert Stuart. A formal, waist-length oil portrait of a man in an 18th-century dark coat and cravat, seated at a desk with a quill and letter against a dark background.

Portrait of Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney

Gilbert Stuart

1785 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A dignified 18th-century portrait of Viscount Sydney, captured with masterful light and shadow by the renowned Gilbert Stuart.

$129

For the selected configuration

From $129

6 frame sizes

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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A substantial, grounding work with softened warm notes — holds a formal wall with confidence.

Often works in
Dining Room · Library · Study
Placement
Works well in taller wall spaces with room around it
Walls
Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
Color notes
Charcoal black

About the piece

Painted circa 1785, this portrait by celebrated artist Gilbert Stuart depicts Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney. The work is a prime example of Stuart's skill in character study, utilizing a dark, atmospheric background to emphasize the luminous rendering of the sitter's face and the delicate details of the desk items in the foreground.