Born in Berlin, Daniel Woge trained under Antoine Pesne (1683–1757) and was later court painter to Adolphus Frederick. Woge remained in Neustrelitz for the rest of his life and apart from portraits, produced altarpieces and drawings for engravings.

Adolphus Friedrich IV was ruler of the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in northern Germany, succeeding his uncle Duke Adolphus Frederick III in 1752. He was the brother to Queen Charlotte. In 1753 he studied at the University of Greifswald and in 1764 became a member of the Order of the Garter. He never married.

The sitter is presented at full-length, seated on a rock in a yellow jacket and breeches, with a book in his right hand and a tricorn hat. A servant stands on the right holding the reins of a white horse, with a dog, and trees behind. A triple portrait of the sitter with his siblings, Duchess Christiane and Duke Ernest, attributed to Woge, c. 1760 is in the Staatliches Museum, Schwerin (G 2243).

Signed and dated: D Woge Pinxit / 1768