Philippe Mercier (1691-1760) was a specialist portraitist, principal painter to the Prince of Wales and drawing master to the Princesses for 10 years.  This composition depicts a 26-year-old Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales (1707-1751) playing the cello with three of his younger sisters, from left to right, Anne, Princess Royal (age 24), Princess Caroline (age 20) plucking a mandora, and Princess Amelia (age 22) reading from Milton.

There are two original versions of this compostion featuring the Dutch House at Kew in the background, held at the National Gallery and National Trust. A third version, part of the Royal Collection, sets the Prince and his sisters indoors.

The canvas has been stretched and mounted in a hand made bespoke swept frame with metal leaf finish.