Queen Victoria (1819-1901) with Prince Alfred (1844-1900) and Princess Helena (1846-1923)

This miniature is unusual on the grounds of both iconography and size. Queen Victoria, portrayed as a Raphaelesque Madonna figure, carries Princess Helena, rendered as the Christ child, while Prince Alfred fulfils the role of the infant St John the Baptist, carrying his traditional reed staff. It was produced as a surprise gift to Prince Albert. Sittings began in May 1847 and the artist was still at work on the picture after it had been presented in August. The Queen wrote in her Journal on 17 November: 'Thorburn has brought back my miniature, finished & it is beautiful. My likeness seems very good, & he has made additions below and above. In the background are trees, & a deep blue sea, not unlike Osborne. I have got a fine piece of dark blue drapery round me, with a basket of flowers near me. The whole is splendidly coloured, & the drapery most carefully studied...'

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