The artist Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was celebrated for his success in depicting scenes from the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana in a European academic style. He was influenced by French painters such as William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Gustave Boulanger. His exploitation of lithography to reproduce his paintings ensured that his work reached a mass market. Recognition in Europe came after he was awarded first prize in the Vienna Art Exhibition of 1873. He is chiefly remembered for his paintings of statuesque women in traditional costume.
 
The sitter is probably the artist's daughter, Mahaprabha Thampuratti of Mavelikkara. She is depicted holding a casket containing a loyal address from the ladies of Travancore to Queen Victoria on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee. She appears in three-quarter length, carrying a book-shaped casket in a dish; she wears a gold and cream strapless dress with a red and gold brocade shawl around her shoulders; two rings on her right hand, pearl necklaces, gold earrings, and a diamond pendant through her nose.

The painting is clearly visible in a photograph of the Golden Jubilee gifts arranged in the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor, 1887 (RCIN 2916023).