Elizabeth was the fourth daughter and co-heir of Thomas 2nd Baron Crewe of Stene. She married Charles Butler, Earl of Arran, in 1705. Comparisons with other portraits of Lady Arran do not reveal an exact resemblance, however, and the sitter seems to be the same lady depicted in another miniature (Royal Collection, RCIN 420167), who is thought to be Margaret, Lady Thorold (d. 1733).

The artist, Christian Richter (1678-1732), was born in Stockholm and settled in London in 1702 where his compatriots, Hans Hysing and Michael Dahl, had thriving British practices. Many of Richter's miniatures are copies from full-scale portraits by leading artists. Richter began his career as a silversmith then moved to miniature painting, first on vellum and later on enamel. George Vertue, the engraver and antiquary, described Richter's style: 'his Manner of Painting very tender and Curious, his tincts had a great variety his pencil regular and neat, his lines of drawing very just & toucht with freedom'.

Signed and dated on the back CR 1717, the initials in monogram.