Miniatures such as these were not only a means of recording a likeness, they could express affection for the sitter. George favoured the fluid brushwork of Cosway, who painted numerous miniatures for the prince between 1780 and 1808. These include portraits of his sisters, his mistress Maria Fitzherbert and his close friend Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Anne Mee received fewer commissions from George, but painted nineteen miniatures to form a ‘Gallery of Beauties’ of fashionable ladies at the court. Among the beauties was the Marchioness of Hertford, who was part of George’s most intimate circle.