[1] Lawrence had developed a reputation as a leading artist of society portraits, and was on friendly terms with the politician.

The portrait was displayed at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition of 1810 at Somerset House along with three other Lawrence works.

[2] The same year that the work was painted, Castlereagh oversaw the failed Walcheren Expedition during the Napoleonic Wars.

[3] After three years out of government, he returned as Foreign Secretary in 1812 and served for a decade, participating in the defeat of Napoleon and the creation of the post-war Congress System.

[4] Today the painting is on display in the National Portrait Gallery in London, having been purchased for the collection in 1892.