The reverse of this miniature is inscribed in a nineteenth-century hand: 'Mrs Claypole Daughter of Oliver Cromwell Painted by S. Cooper'. There is no authenticated likeness in existence of Elizabeth Claypole, second daughter of Oliver Cromwell, who married, in 1646, John Claypole, although many portraits have acquired this identification. The most generally accepted image of Elizabeth Claypole is a miniature by Samuel Cooper dated 1653 (collection of The Duke of Buccleuch), but in view of the amount of retouching the miniature in the Royal Collection has undergone, particularly in the flesh tones, it is difficult to be certain whether the same sitter is represented. Signed on the right in gold: 'S.C.' and dated '1648'.