Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann (1819-81), whose husband was a professor of Fine Arts at Copenhagen University, visited London in June 1852 to present Queen Victoria with a portrait of the Queen Dowager of Denmark (see RCIN 612341), and to exhibit her works at the Bridgewater Gallery. A highly favourable report in the Times concluded that 'the best proof that can be adduced of their excellence is to be found in the fact that they stand surrounded by the terrible competition of those great masterpieces of art in which the Bridgewater Gallery abounds, and yet forcibly attract the visitor.'

On 3rd June 1862 Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia wrote of this portrait to Queen Victoria: 'By the message I will send you a little oil sketch of Princess Alix wh. is like though not flattering and [not?] well done, it is by an artist in Copenhagen a Mme. Jerichau but it certainly is like.' (WRA Addl Mss Z/13/23)

The Princess here appears bust length facing in profile to the right, wearing a low-cut dress, her hair arranged in two long curls; set against a maroon oval background. A mezzotint by Robert Bowyer Parkes after a full-length portrait of Alexandra by Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann, was published in 1864 by Henry Graves & Company.