Charles II was ruler of the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz from 1794 until his death, first under the title of Duke, then assuming the rank of Grand Duke in 1815. He had previously served as Governor of Hanover from 1776 to 1786. In 1768 Charles married Princess Friederike of Hesse-Darmstadt, with whom he had ten children. An enlightened ruler, Charles introduced agricultural reforms, a new police force, and made education compulsory for the first time.

The Duke is shown riding a chestnut horse; he wears a cocked hat with military uniform; in the background cavalry contingents are crossing a bridge across a wide river.