Painted on ivory, this self-portrait has been mounted on a brooch. The brooch is designed to swivel round, revealing a gold cupid, dog and harp on the reverse. Robertson, one of the finest Scottish miniaturists, studied under Alexander Nasmyth and Sir Henry Raeburn. This miniature shows Robertson's typical style of painting, characterised by clear drawing and forceful modelling. Although the artist lived and worked in London for most of his life, the tartan he wears reminds the viewer of Robertson's Scottish background.