Gyula von Benczur (1844-1920) was born in Nyíregyháza, Hungary. He began his studies at the Academy in Munich, and painted in the manner of Karl von Piloty, his master from 1864 to 1869. In 1876, he became a professor there, and he stayed until 1883. He moved to Budapest on his appointment as Hungarian Director of Art Education, a position he held until his death. He concentrated on portraiture, and was awarded honours for his paintings of nobles including: the Count Szapary (1886), Count and Countess Karolyi (1887), and Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, visited his Budapest studio in 1888 during one of his several trips to Hungary before he became king.
 
In addition to ruling as Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph was Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, King of Galicia and Lodomeria, and Grand Duke of Cracow from 1848 until his death in 1916. He was also President of the German Confederation from 1850 to 1866.

The Emperor appears full-length, standing, facing the spectator, his head turned half to the right, in the uniform of a British Field Marshal with the riband and star of the Garter, the robes of which are draped over a balustrade beside him; with a column in the background.