This miniature by the prolific enamellist William Essex is based on a watercolour of the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in the Royal Collection attributed on its mount to Ignaz Rungaldier (917114).

Maria Antonia, Duchess Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, daughter and heiress of Francis Joseph, Prince of Kohary, and Countess Antonie of Waldstein-Wartenberg, married, in 1815, Ferdinand, Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, who later used the title Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Known fondly by Queen Victoria as 'Aunt Tony', although they never met, she was remembered by Queen Victoria's half-sister, Princess Feodora of Hohenlohe-Langenburg who met her 'just after her marriage when she was quite lovely'. On her death in 1862, Leopold I wrote: 'I was grieved to learn that poor Tony had closed her lonely existence. The life she led was truly dull enough but her warm heart caused her to be much interested in every thing connected with the family. She had been a most devoted wife to your Uncle, always ready for every sacrifice that should have been wished – a very honest and generous character'.

Signed, dated and inscribed on the counter-enamel in black paint: H.S.H. / Princess Ferdinand / of Saxe Cobourg / born Pr  ss. Kohary / Painted by W. Essex: / AD 1842 Enaml painter to Her / Majesty & H.R.H. Prince Albert.