Joseph Bergler (1753-1829) the son of an Austrian sculptor and painter, travelled to Italy 1776-86, where he studied under Martin Knoller in Milan, and Anton von Maron in Rome. He moved to Prague in 1800 where he helped to found the Akademie der bildenden Künste, of which he was the first director. He was a draughtsman, engraver, and painter of religious works, landscapes and portraits.
 
Francis Anthony succeeded his father Ernst Frederick as Duke, upon his death in 1800. As an enthusiastic collector of graphic art, he laid the foundations for the 220,000-strong collection of prints and drawings housed at Veste Coburg castle. He was the maternal grandfather of Queen Victoria and the paternal grandfather of the Prince Consort.
 
The sitter is shown half length, wearing a dark coat with a white linen necktie. This is probably a copy after a pastel by Bergler. The Royal Collection holds another copy of this portrait (RCIN 406688), and a portrait by Bergler of the young Duke in military uniform (RCIN 451618).