Robert Broome was the uncle of Robert Munroe, who in turn was the great-uncle of the donor, Helen Munroe. Helen Munroe was at one time the director of publications at the Smithsonian Institution. This miniature was worn as a stickpin by the well-dressed owner. Stickpins were among the flashiest accessories available to a gentleman of this time, and this one, in particular, would have drawn attention because of the unusual close-up profile of the sitter.