This painting, together with one of the Duke (RCIN 405450), was commissioned by Frances, Countess Waldegrave to hang in her home, Strawberry Hill, which she had restored and re-opened.

The Duke and Duchess had fled the Revolution in France of 1848 and moved to Orleans House in Twickenham. Marie Caroline (1822-69) was the daughter of Prince Leopold of the two Sicilies. She married the duc d'Aumale in 1844. Her mother-in-law said she was a true daughter to her: not pretty, but good, gracious, amiable, with lots of spirit and sense – and a very good musician. Queen Victoria commented that she had 'a noble & courageous mind in her poor little body'.

Signed in monogram: JS.