Helene Schjerfbeck's childhood was marked by gloom. Her father, Svante Schjerfbeck, died in 1876 from tuberculosis, and her mother, Olga, struggled with financial difficulties to support Helene and her older brother, Magnus. In addition, Helene suffered from a severe hip injury caused by a childhood fall.

Her artistic talent was discovered early, and she began her art studies at the Finnish Art Society's Drawing School in 1873, at the young age of 11. She quickly became technically skilled, was exceptionally productive, and soon developed a distinctive artistic vision.

However, the prevailing narrow-minded view of women's capabilities, which did not look favorably upon women's independent creativity, cast a shadow over her early artistic career. It did not help that her mother was reserved about her painting. After completing her studies at the drawing school in 1877, she continued at Adolf von Becker's private academy. Schjerfbeck greatly appreciated von Becker and believed that he provided her with a solid foundation for her future career.

The portrait is dated -77, the same year Schjerfbeck completed her studies at the drawing school and continued with Adolf von Becker.

Despite her unique talent, Helene Schjerfbeck felt like a stranger in the Finnish art scene. It wasn't until 1917, during a solo exhibition at Gösta Stenman's Art Salon, that she received the recognition she deserved.