Anders Zorn was born in 1860 and raised on a farm in Yvarden by his two grandparents. He studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm from 1875 until 1880 where he amazed his teachers with his talent.

Throughout his life Zorn traveled extensively and was a frequent visitor to London, Paris, the Balkans, Spain, Italy, and the United States. He was an international success and is considered one of the most acclaimed painters of his era. He is most recognized for his skill as a portrait painter, and some of his subjects included at least three American Presidents.