Gunnar Berndtson studied in Paris under Ernest Meissonier, who was famous for his sharp, illusionistic painting. Like his teacher, Berndtson often painted scenes with figures in historical costume. This portrait of Gustaf Cederström is executed with the sharpness typical of Berndtson, but despite the sitter being at the height of his artistic career, he is depicted as a gentleman rather than a painter – perhaps to highlight his aristocratic background.