Princess Christina (1735-94) was the eldest daughter of Charles I, duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and sister of Queen Charlotte. Here she is wearing the ribbon and star of the Russian Order of St Catherine. The Order of St Catherine was founded by Peter the Great in 1714 in honour of his wife, the Empress Catherine. The Order was only awarded to ladies of the highest distinction in Europe and there were two classes; The Grand Cross, which entitled the bearer to wear a star and badge of the Order, and the Small Cross, which carried the right to wear the badge only. As a dame of the first class, Princess Christina wears the sash over their right shoulder – the badge, which would be attached to a bow embroidered with the motto of the order at her waist, is not visible here. The eight-pointed star was made of silver, set with diamonds, and in the centre was a silver cross on a scarlet enamel background, surrounded by gold letters reading in Russian 'For Love and For the Fatherland'.

The identity of the artist is not known.