The miniature is based on a photograph taken by Downey probably during Maria Feodorovna's visit to Britain in 1907. She is wearing a black evening dress with a sapphire and pearl brooch, a floral corsage and a four-strand pearl choker, her hair dressed with pearls and feathers.

Princess Marie Sophie Frederica Dagmar, second daughter of Christian IX of Denmark, and sister of Queen Alexandra, was betrothed first to Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich, Czarevitch (1843 –65), and married, in 1866, Grand Duke Alexander of Russia, later (1881) Alexander III (1845 – 94), Emperor of Russia. She was the mother of the last Emperor, Nicholas II, and following the Bolshevik Revolution, in 1919, urged by her sister, Queen Alexandra, the Dowager Empress took refuge in England and would subsequently spend her last years at Hvidøre, a relatively small residence near Copenhagen.

William and Daniel Downey were photographers based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London. Queen Victoria was first photographed 'by a very good photographer Downey, from Newcastle' on 22 September 1866 (RA QVJ). W. & D. Downey established studios in London at 6 Ebury Street (1872 – 8), and subsequently at 51 Ebury Street (1879) and 57 Ebury Street (1880 – 90), although much of their printing and finishing was still completed in Newcastle. They became known for their photography of members of the Royal Family and other society figures. The firm continued to operate after the death of its founder, Daniel Downey, in July 1881.

Signed along the lower right-hand edge in black paint: DOWNEY.