Emil Leopold August, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (1772–1822), was the second son of Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg and Princess Charlotte of Saxe-Meiningen. He was the author of a poetic novel, Cyllenion: A year in Arcadia, which is thought to include the first unprejudiced treatment of the theme of homosexual love since antiquity. He was the maternal grandfather of Prince Albert.

One of a pair showing Duke and Duchess in fanciful 17th-Century costume (RCIN 400946-7), this enamel is based on an unknown portrait dating from the 1790s. The sitter is shown full-length, standing in an interior, facing slightly to the right, head turned half to the left, his right hand on a draped table on which rest books and an inkwell; ducal throne chair on right; he is wearing Van Dyck costume, with a black silk suit and large lace collar.