Dahl was an early example of a Swedish artist who was active abroad. He trained on the continent before settling in London, where he achieved acclaim as a portraitist. Dahl was extremely market-focused and had his own showroom for clients. In this self-portrait he is wearing a hooded cloak and a red cap. The latter concealed his close-cropped hair when he was not wearing a wig, but was also the distinguishing mark of an intellectual.