The head of George II in this miniature appears to be a small scale repetition of that in another miniature in the Royal Collection (RCIN 421777). Here, however, he is wearing different robes and the chain of the Order of the Garter.

George II did not enjoy 'setting' for portraiture, preferring the military life to art and artists. He was the last British sovereign to fight alongside his soldiers – at the battle of Dettingen in 1743 in Germany – when he was 60 years old. George's reign was threatened in 1745 when Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, landed in Scotland. After some initial success, Charles was defeated at the battle of Culloden in April 1746. The current national anthem became popular among those loyal to the Hanoverian King at this time.

The artist, Christian Frederick Zincke (1683/4-1767), was born in Dresden, the son of a goldsmith. He settled in England in 1706 and studied enamel painting under Charles Boit. He developed a thriving business, at first copying portraits by Sir Peter Lely and Sir Godfrey Kneller, then painting from life. He worked extensively for the royal family and, perhaps because he spoke German, was one of the few artists George II could tolerate. By 1730 he was well established at court and in February 1732, was appointed Cabinet Painter to Frederick, Prince of Wales, George II's eldest son. His eyesight began to fail, however, and he lamented: 'I find my Eyes scarce Capable of seeing them fine strokes'. By 1752 he had retired and only painted for his own pleasure.