This portrait of Horace's older brother may have been painted at the same time as that of his son, Edward (1737-1771). Since the 16th-century, portrait miniatures were used as an accessory to dress. They were worn as pendants on necklaces, attached to the bodice on a ribbon, or as bracelets. These two miniatures appear to have been intended for bracelets and were probably painted for one of Sir Edward's daughters.