Bernice Edwell (Alexander Leeper)

Although there are no official records of either the artist or subject of this work, it is thought to be one of three miniatures entered by Bernice Edwell into the inaugural Archibald Prize, based on newspaper articles about the exhibition. 'Table Talk’ reported that, 'Miss Bernice Edwell had three miniatures — two much-medalled military persons and Dr Leeper, of Melbourne University.’

The sitter referred to is Alexander Leeper (1848-1934), who had been the inaugural warden of Trinity College at the University of Melbourne.