Miniature of the Duke of Kent; bust-length, facing front, head turned half to the right, wearing a Court Uniform with orders of the Garter, St.Patrick and Guelphic Order; mounted in an elaborate gold locket, probably made by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, with chased and repoussé Garter emblems and the sitter's name, EDWARD, beneath a coronet on the lid. The reverse is also chased and bears the badge of the Bath within the collar, and the collar and badge of St Patrick.

This miniature is based on the oil portrait of 1814 by Sir William Beechey (1753–1839) which was purchased in 1840 by the Fishmongers' Company, of which the Duke of Kent had been an Honorary Freeman. The Court Orders of the Company for 22 June record that 'we have been so fortunate as to find a portrait of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent … painted by that eminent Artist, the late Sir William Beechey … now in the possession of the Trustees for the family [i.e. the artist's family] and can be purchased' (information kindly supplied by Clare Crawford of the Fishmongers' Company).

Queen Victoria is seen holding a similar miniature in a portrait by Sir William Beechey (1753-1839) of the Duchess of Kent with Princess Victoria, painted in 1821.

Fischer was born in Hanover, the son of an engraver, and came to England in 1810. His first royal subject was George III, whose Golden Jubilee was celebrated in that year. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Society of British Artists from 1817 until 1852.

Text adapted from Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010