In the spring of 1785, the English painter Robert Edge Pine arrived at Mount Vernon in high hopes of taking a life portrait of the retired General George Washington. Washington was absent on business during much of his stay, but Pine took advantage of the opportunity to paint Martha Washington's four grandchildren as well as her niece. This portrait captures the childish grace of her seven-year-old granddaughter, Martha Parke Custis. The miniature she wears depicts a gentleman in military uniform, and may represent her step-grandfather, George Washington, or her father, John Parke Custis.