Dahl was a Swedish painter who studied under Ehrenstrahl (see 405909) before coming to England in 1689. He was patronised by Queen Anne, painting some naval portraits for her (subsequently given by George IV to the Greenwich Hospital and now in the Maritime Museum) as well as the three works still in the Royal Collection. This portrait must date from c. 1690 and would seem to be Dahl's first royal commission. Queen Anne's husband is shown wearing armour, with a blue sash and a lace cravat. A long brown periwig hangs over his shoulders.