Christian VII (1749-1808) is wearing admiral's uniform and the ribbon and star of the Order of the Elephant. He was the son of Frederick V and Princess Louisa, the youngest daughter of George II. He succeeded his father as king of Denmark in 1766, a few weeks before his 17th birthday and, in 1767, married Princess Caroline Matilda, sister of George III. It was a very unhappy marriage and was dissolved in 1772. Christian suffered from severe mental disabilities and was only nominally king from 1772 onwards. From 1772 to 1784, his stepmother, Juliana Maria of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, and his half-brother Frederick, ruled Denmark. From 1784, his son Frederick VI ruled as prince regent.

It has been suggested that this miniature is probably based on a portrait of about 1785-90 by Jens Juel. The artist is Cornelius Høyer (1741-1804) who was born in Hammermøllen near Kronberg, Denmark. He was one of the first students at the Academy of Copenhagen and is considered to be one of the best Danish miniaturists. He worked throughout Europe but mostly in Copenhagen and was appointed painter to the king in 1770. In 1795, he was working in London, and advertised in The Sun as painter to the king of Denmark.