Reginald Easton, a watercolourist and miniature painter, became particularly well known among aristocratic circles for his miniature portraits of children. He was first recommended to Queen Victoria by her daughter, Princess Helena. Princess Victoria, Queen Victoria's granddaughter, is shown here aged five years. Easton painted this miniature, together with that of Princess Victoria's sister, Princess Elizabeth, in 1868.

Inscribed on the reverse in ink by Queen Victoria: Princess / Victoria of Hesse / b. at Windsor Castle / April 5. 1863– / eldest daughter / of Pce. Louis of Hesse / & Pces Alice of / Gt. Britain & / Ireland / painted by / R. Easton / July 1868.