The highly prolific Danish painter, Juel studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen from 1765-1766. In 1772 he was granted a four year travelling fellowship which took him to Hamburg, Dresden, numerous cities throughout Italy including Rome (where he may have worked in the Batoni studio), Paris, Geneva and other cities throughout Germany. In 1780 he returned to Copenhagen where on April 3 he became an agree of the Royal Academy, and the painter of portraits to the Royal Court. In 1790 he was made restorer of the Royal collection, and from 1795 until just before his death he served as the Director of the Royal Academy.

For further information and other examples by the artist see Ellen Poulsen, Jens Juels, 1991