A similar miniature of Princess Charlotte attributed to D.B. Murphy, set into the lid of a circular ivory box and containing talc overlays, was also inherited by Queen Mary (4388; Royal Collection). The image of the Princess in the two Royal Collection miniatures cannot be related directly to any of the standard portraits of Princess Charlotte of c.1814 – 15 and may have been taken directly from life in Murphy's capacity as Painter in Ordinary to Princess Charlotte.

From Dublin, Denis Murphy studied at the Dublin Society Schools, exhibiting at the Dublin Society of Artists in 1765 and 1768. He came to study and work in England, returning to Dublin 1792 – 8 before returning to England for good, where he worked in Lancaster, Newcastle and Edinburgh, and finally London. He established a successful practice as a miniaturist, and in 1807, he produced for the Prince Regent 'a set of paintings in enamel of the royal family of Tudor – collected from authentic old portraits in Kensington Palace'. The eight enamels were mounted in 'deep chased double gilt frames [with] royal crowns – the whole enclosed in a green morocco cabinet' and cost 190 guineas, a considerable sum. Three years later he was appointed Painter in Ordinary to Princess Charlotte, and soon afterwards he was commissioned to make a series of copies of Sir Peter Lely's (1618 – 80) Windsor Beauties, which remained unfinished at Princess Charlotte's death. Murphy's sets of enamel copies are important as precursors to the better-known work of the Bone family, although the quality of his copies falls short of theirs. Some of his works from life demonstrate his able draughtsmanship and lively eye, although he never moved into the first rank of miniaturists of his time.

Signed and dated in ink on the reverse: 1814 / Her Royal Highness / Princess Charlotte / Painted by / DB Murphy / Brooke Street / London.