The portrait likely depicts Christian Frederik Hansen (1756-1845), one of Denmark's foremost Neoclassical architects and later director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. He designed several important buildings in Copenhagen and northern Germany.

Christian August Lorentzen was active in Copenhagen and educated at the Royal Academy, with study trips to Paris and the Netherlands, among others. He established himself as one of the most sought-after Danish portrait painters of his time, alongside Jens Juel.

Lorentzen was a professor at the academy from 1803 and served as director from 1809 to 1810. His art spans portraits, history painting, and landscapes, and he is considered a precursor to the Danish Golden Age. Among his students are prominent artists such as Christen Købke and Martinus Rørbye.

He is represented in several collections, including the National Gallery of Denmark in Copenhagen and Frederiksborg Castle.