During the Victorian period there was a resurgence in the popularity of portrait miniatures, particularly as tokens of love. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert became engaged on 15 October 1839, while the Prince was visiting England. During this visit Sir William Ross (1794–1860) began painting this miniature of Prince Albert. When Albert left for Germany one month later, he would not return until his marriage to the Queen in February 1840. During the three month separation, Queen Victoria treasured this portrait of her betrothed which she kept on display on her writing table, noting in her journal:

The original of dearest Albert by Ross […] is now and always standing before me. It is quite speaking, and is my delight – the dear angelic, beautiful eyes looking at me so dearly. It was much admired in the drawing-room last night

7 January 1840