In an age before photography, portrait miniatures provided a means to recall the likeness of a friend or loved one and preserve fragile emotional and familial bonds. Affectionately known as "Rosebud," Eliza Law Rogers was the only daughter of Eliza Parke Custis, a granddaughter of Martha Washington, and Thomas Law. She presented this portrait to her mother with the dedication "A Trifle for the best of mothers." Eliza Custis treasured the gift, but noted that the image of her "precious child" was "not like her."