Contact Seller
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Tel07494 763382Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 7494 763382
Portrait Charles Stanhope Third Earl Harrington
An exceptional and historically layered watercolour painting on paper, this portrait features Charles Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Harrington, in ceremonial armor, accompanied by Marcus Richard Fitzroy Thomas, a young Jamaican boy. Rendered in the Grand Manner tradition circa 1783 late 18th century, the painting fuses aristocratic display with colonial reality, making it not only visually striking but socially resonant.
Composition & Technique
This painting is composed in the grand theatrical style associated with Sir Joshua Reynolds, yet the choice of watercolour lends it an unusual and delicate immediacy. Stanhope stands confidently at the center, clad in shimmering armor rendered in layers of cool blues, silvers, and soft greys, accented with a crimson sash. Behind him swirl dramatic skies in wet-on-wet washes of indigo, ochre, and smoky blue — evoking turbulence both literal and political.
At his side, Marcus Richard Fitzroy Thomas holds the Earl’s helmet with solemn grace. Dressed in dark livery, Marcus is rendered with a naturalistic humanity rare in works of this genre. His expression, posture, and grounded presence contrast the aristocratic elevation of Stanhope — offering not just balance, but narrative weight.
The triangular composition leads the eye from Marcus to the Earl and into the sky, a classical structure that here becomes a metaphor: a hierarchy of empire, race, and visibility. Where Stanhope is mythologized, Marcus is authentically present, unidealized, and quietly powerful.
This painting is more than a portrait — it is a visual performance of power, and a double portrait in unequal measure. It glorifies British nobility while revealing the overlooked lives that supported it. In doing so, it offers a compelling critique of its own genre.
Historical Context & Biography
Charles Stanhope (1753–1829) served in Jamaica, Britain’s most fortified slave colony, during the final years of the American Revolutionary War. Upon returning in 1782, he was promoted to Colonel and appointed Aide-de-Camp to King George III, before inheriting the title of Earl of Harrington. That same year he married Jane Fleming, whose family profited from Caribbean plantations.
Marcus Richard Fitzroy Thomas, just 14 years old when painted, was likely brought from Jamaica as part of Stanhope’s military entourage or household. Later parish and military records reveal a remarkable life: Marcus was baptized in London (on the same day as one of Stanhope’s children), joined the Westminster militia as a drummer, married, had children, and eventually died in poverty in 1816. He is buried in St. Martin’s Gardens, Camden.
About the Artist (in the Manner of Sir Joshua Reynolds)
Though unsigned, the painting is executed in the mature style of Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792), first president of the Royal Academy. Reynolds was known for elevating his sitters through allegory, classical references, and rich theatricality. The armor, posture, and stormy background are unmistakable signatures of this style — but the realist portrayal of Marcus introduces a modern tension, disrupting the fantasy and grounding the work in empire’s human cost.
The painting is housed in a recently added beautifully reverse-profile moulded gold leaf frame, adding period authenticity and refined presence. The piece has been professionally conserved and reglazed with museum-quality AR70 glass — a low-reflective, UV-filtering protective front that dramatically reduces glare while preserving the fine watercolor detail underneath. This premium conservation glazing allows the portrait to be displayed with clarity, safety, and confidence, in any lighting condition.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Composition & Technique
This painting is composed in the grand theatrical style associated with Sir Joshua Reynolds, yet the choice of watercolour lends it an unusual and delicate immediacy. Stanhope stands confidently at the center, clad in shimmering armor rendered in layers of cool blues, silvers, and soft greys, accented with a crimson sash. Behind him swirl dramatic skies in wet-on-wet washes of indigo, ochre, and smoky blue — evoking turbulence both literal and political.
At his side, Marcus Richard Fitzroy Thomas holds the Earl’s helmet with solemn grace. Dressed in dark livery, Marcus is rendered with a naturalistic humanity rare in works of this genre. His expression, posture, and grounded presence contrast the aristocratic elevation of Stanhope — offering not just balance, but narrative weight.
The triangular composition leads the eye from Marcus to the Earl and into the sky, a classical structure that here becomes a metaphor: a hierarchy of empire, race, and visibility. Where Stanhope is mythologized, Marcus is authentically present, unidealized, and quietly powerful.
This painting is more than a portrait — it is a visual performance of power, and a double portrait in unequal measure. It glorifies British nobility while revealing the overlooked lives that supported it. In doing so, it offers a compelling critique of its own genre.
Historical Context & Biography
Charles Stanhope (1753–1829) served in Jamaica, Britain’s most fortified slave colony, during the final years of the American Revolutionary War. Upon returning in 1782, he was promoted to Colonel and appointed Aide-de-Camp to King George III, before inheriting the title of Earl of Harrington. That same year he married Jane Fleming, whose family profited from Caribbean plantations.
Marcus Richard Fitzroy Thomas, just 14 years old when painted, was likely brought from Jamaica as part of Stanhope’s military entourage or household. Later parish and military records reveal a remarkable life: Marcus was baptized in London (on the same day as one of Stanhope’s children), joined the Westminster militia as a drummer, married, had children, and eventually died in poverty in 1816. He is buried in St. Martin’s Gardens, Camden.
About the Artist (in the Manner of Sir Joshua Reynolds)
Though unsigned, the painting is executed in the mature style of Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792), first president of the Royal Academy. Reynolds was known for elevating his sitters through allegory, classical references, and rich theatricality. The armor, posture, and stormy background are unmistakable signatures of this style — but the realist portrayal of Marcus introduces a modern tension, disrupting the fantasy and grounding the work in empire’s human cost.
The painting is housed in a recently added beautifully reverse-profile moulded gold leaf frame, adding period authenticity and refined presence. The piece has been professionally conserved and reglazed with museum-quality AR70 glass — a low-reflective, UV-filtering protective front that dramatically reduces glare while preserving the fine watercolor detail underneath. This premium conservation glazing allows the portrait to be displayed with clarity, safety, and confidence, in any lighting condition.
We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 9/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
DimensionsFramed Dimensions: 55 cm (Height) × 47 cm (Width)
Depth: 1.5 cm
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Watercolours
Date 18th century
Late 18th Century Antiques Material Painted
Origin English
Condition Good for its age. The paper is stable, the pigments remain fresh and vibrant, some foxing stains & fading in places and the surface has been carefully protected by professional reglazing. Some paint loss and backrgroiund retouching in the lower corner area. The frame is is very good condition commensurate with being handmade, clean, intact, and ready to hang.
Item code as1013a1228
Status For Sale
£5000.00 
$6648.50
€5717.00
$6648.50
€5717.00
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 9/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
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