Johan Vilhelm Gertner (1818-71) attended the Academy at Copenhagen from 1831 to 1837. At the start of his career he painted landscapes and interiors, but became known for his portraiture at a time when Danish art was moving towards a more naturalistic style, inspired by French realism and developments in photography, as can be seen in this portrait. He was appointed professor and then a member of the Academy in 1850.

A portrait of Princess Alexandra, head and shoulders, facing three quarters to the left, wearing a red evening dress with a white camellia at her breast, and an ermine stole; set against a plain dark background.