Francis I (1708-65) was the eldest surviving son of Leopold, Duke of Lorraine. He succeeded his father in 1729. In 1736, he married his cousin, Maria Theresa, and in 1737, became Grand Duke of Tuscany. In 1745, on the death of Charles VII, he was elected Holy Roman Emperor. In this portrait, Francis is wearing the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece on an orange ribbon over his armour.

The miniature is closely based on a portrait of Francis wearing a field marshal's uniform (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna) painted about 1750.

The identity of the artist is unknown.

Inscribed faintly on the backing paper: Emperor ... together with a dealer's code prices: 718 / 2 Pair 4/4/-.