Anne d'Autriche (1601-1666), daughter of King Philip III of Spain and Margaret of Styria, was the sister of King Philip IV of Spain. In 1615, she was married to King Louis XIII of France and gave birth to the future King Louis XIV in 1638. Her frivolous character caused gossip, particularly concerning a love affair and even a later secret marriage with the Prime Minister Cardinal Mazarin.
Marie-Thérèse (1638-1683), daughter of King Philip IV of Spain, was married to her cousin, the future Sun King. Their only child living beyond infancy was Louis (1661-1711), called the Grand Dauphin who was married to Princess Maria-Anna of Bavaria.
Very few French Royal Miniatures of this time are recorded, and the present one is a particularly fine example by an unidentified but nevertheless highly talented Court painter.