This miniature was not painted from life, but derives from a standard portrait of Mary II painted by William Wissing (1656–1687) at the command of her father, James II, in 1685 (RCIN 404449). The miniature is one of six acquired from the physician Dr Richard Mead by Frederick, Prince of Wales in the late 1740s, and reflects the Prince’s interest in historical portraiture.

Nicholas Dixon (fl. c.1660–after 1708) has been suggested as the artist responsible for this miniature. Dixon, who was appointed Limner to Charles II in 1673, also held the post of Keeper of the King’s Picture Closet.

His work is characterised by a tendency to reddish-brown in the flesh tones, and by exaggerated almond-shaped eyes, rather in the manner of Sir Peter Lely. Neither of these traits are exhibited here, and the attribution to Dixon remains open to question.

Text adapted from The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy 1714-1760, London 2014.