This is not strictly a miniature, except in terms of small size. More accurately, it is a small stipple engraving of Nelson, head only in left profile, after Simon de Koster's drawing of 1800 - which Nelson approved as one of the best images of himself. It is in a circular patterned and gilt mount set in a black-lacquered portrait format rectangular backboard (the lacquer slightly chipped), with a suspension ring on a cast gilt-metal fitting in the form of laurel leaves.

The Museum has two versions of such drawings by or attributed de Koster, PAD4145 and PAE5386, this print being closer to the latter, and a derived oil painting by him (BHC2900). Neither of the drawings however include the information which Burke added to this print, however, that the original was drawn on 11 December 1800 (see PAD3780, PAD3782 and PAD4153 for examples including that inscription). This is simply another copy trimmed to fit the standard mid-to-late 19th-century commercial miniature frame in which it is mounted.