This portrait was engraved in 1733 after the King's death in 1727; presumably the portrait was therefore painted during the last years of his life. The 'Mrs Howe' mentioned in the Windsor Inventory was probably the Hon Caroline Howe, grand-daughter of Sophia von Kielmansegg (1675-1725), George I's half-sister.

The King is shown in three-quarter-length wearing the ribband of the Garter; beside him is a table on which are the crown and sceptre; the Banqueting House is seen in the distance. This is not a state portrait but even so the simplicity of the costume and directness of presentation perhaps reflects the sitter's acknowledgement of the peculiar character of a constitutional monarchy. Including the Banqueting House in the background (rather than Westminster Abbey for example) reflects the magnificence of the British crown, but also reminds the viewer of the execution of Charles I, which took place there in 1649.