Samuel Ward (1732–1820) owned property in Derby and Richmond in England.

As a boy he was food taster to Bonnie Prince Charlie and was rewarded with a diamond ring which is now in the collection of Derby Museum and Art Gallery along with his 1781 portrait by Joseph Wright.

When Bonnie Prince Charlie was staying at Exeter House in Derby on 4 December 1745, his mother allowed Samuel to be the young pretender's food taster.

During his short stay Bonnie Prince Charlie made his decision to give up on his march on London to seize the crown of England.

The painting is first referred to in Joseph Wright's accounts, where he records its price as twelve guineas in 1781.