Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester (1773-1844) was the niece of George III, daughter of his brother Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Maria, Countess Dowager of Waldegrave. Sophia remained unmarried lived at New Lodge in Winkfield, near Windsor in Berkshire. She died on 29 November 1844 and is buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor.

This is a replica of a miniature of the princess by Richard Cosway, signed and dated 1794, which was at one time in the collection of the Duke of Cambridge. It is thought that the artist is Anne Mee (1780/5-1851), the daughter of the artist John Foldsone. She was educated in London and was a protégée and pupil of the portrait painter George Romney. Lady Courtown introduced her to Queen Charlotte, and Charlotte Papendiek, journalist and assistant keeper of the wardrobe to Queen Charlotte, described Anne Mee drawing the queen and princesses at Windsor in 1790. Mee visited frequently after that date. Her portraits are often characterised by large eyes, and by 1804 she was able to ask as much as 40 guineas for a miniature. 

Brown hair is plaited in the back of the case. The gold cartouche (scroll) at the base of the frame is engraved: PRINCESS SOPHIA MATILDA OF GLOUCESTER