Sarah Dunn-Gardner Townshend (c.1786–1858), Marchioness Townshend (wife of George Ferrers Townshend)

Thomas Lawrence's portrait of Sarah Dunn-Gardner Townshend, Marchioness Townshend of around 1800 depicts a member of the Townshend aristocratic family with the luminous female portraiture that constituted the signature achievement of his career. Lawrence's Marchioness portrait belongs to the aristocratic female gallery that defined his public reputation, each canvas demonstrating the combination of flattery and genuine psychological observation that distinguished his approach from purely social documentation.

Lawrence treats the Marchioness with the warm elegance he reserved for his aristocratic female sitters, the luminous complexion and graceful pose creating an impression of refined beauty. The brushwork in the hair and costume is fluid and accomplished, complementing the more carefully modeled features.