Antique Portrait Miniature of George Henry Robert Vane-Tempest, Viscount Seaham

Antique Portrait Miniature of George Henry Robert Vane-Tempest, Viscount Seaham

An exceptional antique portrait miniature, depicting George Henry Robert Vane-Tempest, Viscount Seaham (1821–1884), later 5th Marquess of Londonderry, after Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A. (British, 1769–1830).

The miniature portrays the young Viscount Seaham as a child and is housed within an elaborate octagonal silver case-frame, richly decorated with a pierced border and set with opals, amethyst cabochons, almandine garnets and turquoise, surrounded by a border of rose-cut diamonds.

The reverse is engraved with a poetic inscription and records his date of birth: 26 April 1821.

The piece is accompanied by an auction catalogue reference from Londonderry, Lot 485, in which the miniature is illustrated and described. The catalogue identifies the sitter as George Henry Robert Vane-Tempest and attributes the portrait as after Sir Thomas Lawrence.

Sitter: George Henry Robert Vane-Tempest, Viscount Seaham, later 5th Marquess of Londonderry
After: Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A. (1769–1830)
Type: Portrait Miniature
Frame: Silver, set with opals, amethyst cabochons, almandine garnets, turquoise and rose-cut diamonds
Shape: Octagonal
Overall Weight: 64.5 grams
Reference: Londonderry auction catalogue, Lot 485
Condition: Antique / Pre-owned, with age-related wear consistent with its period

A remarkable combination of portraiture, fine jewellery and British aristocratic history, further distinguished by its surviving published auction catalogue reference.