Etching of Henrik Gerner (1742-1787), considered the Danish navy's geatest shipbuilder, worked with untiring energy to improve the fleet. After study trips to Britain and France, he was appointed master shipbuilder at Holmen in 1772. In this capacity he was responsible for the construction of 18 ships of the line, 11 frigates and many smaller ships and machines. He was a member of a number of learned societies and commissions.

The original painting by Jens Juel, from which this print is taken, is in the Danish Royal Museum of Art.