Charles James Turrell is regarded as one of the most talented miniaturists of his age. Born in London, he came to the United States in 1867. After staying in America for two years, he returned to England and then divided his time between the two countries for the rest of his career. He showed annually at the Royal Academy from 1863 to 1915, and among his distinguished sitters in America were the Vanderbilt, Whitney, and Morgan families. In England he depicted members of the Royal family such as Queen Victoria, King Edward, and Queen Alexandra and her daughters. He was appointed miniature painter to Queen Victoria in 1890.