After a spell as a fortifications draughtsman at Sveaborg, Elias Martin travelled to Paris. On Alexander Roslin’s recommendation, he was admitted to the French Academy of Painting and Sculpture in 1766. He became a pupil of Joseph Vernet and painted dramatic landscapes in the spirit of his teacher. During two stays in England, 1768–80 and 1789–92, Martin was influenced by early Romantic painting. Apart from landscapes and portraits, he also painted genre scenes.