The story of Amy Robsart is told in chapter 5 of Sir Walter Scott's 'Kenilworth': the tragic heroine has made a secret marriage to Lord Leicester and here is seen pleading with him to make public their vows. He later prefers to satisfy his political ambition rather than fulfil his private obligations. This painting was probably made in Paris in 1827 and was inspired not only by the contemporary vogue for Scott's novel, but by the production of Victor Hugo's new play with scenery and costumes designed by Delacroix. The figure of Leicester is based on Clouet's portrait of Charles X in the Louvre.