Regarded as one of Chantrey's finest works, this marble portrait bust of Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, with his head turned to the right, lips parted, and with draperies falling from his right shoulder over his bare chest, is a copy of the original marble which Chantrey excecuted in 1821, during the period of intense activity and patronage that followed after his trip to Italy in 1819.

An Irish and British politician, diplomat and foreign secretary of state during the Regency, Viscount Castlereagh was considered instrumental for his leadership of the coalition that defeated Napoleon.

This bust was commissioned by George IV for the 'gallery' (Grand Corridor) Windsor Castle between March and November 1828. (Chantry 1991/2, 207a, p.232)