Princess Louise was the sixth child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The Queen wrote on 23 February 1850: 'Ross is making a very like & very pretty miniature of little Louise' (Journal). Ross was commissioned to paint several miniatures of the royal children, much as today photographs would be taken at intervals as a record of progression through childhood and to send to relatives. On 18 March 1851 Queen Victoria wrote about Louise to Leopold, King of the Belgians, 'I never saw a sweeter-tempered, gentler Child, tho' not so quick & brilliant as Vicky & Lenchen [Princess Helena]'.

Signed and dated on the reverse in grey wash: Painted / by / Sir W.  C. Ross R.A. / Miniature Painter / to the Queen / 1850 and inscribed in ink by another hand: Princess Louise. / 2 years.