The Artist's Father, the Average Adjuster Lucas von Breda (1719-1799)

An average adjuster examines maritime accidents for the government. The coastal landscape in the background of this portrait, and its dramatic light, may both allude to this. Is a storm brewing? The earthy brown hues exude a romantic glow accentuated by the artist’s almost sketchy brushwork. This characteristic distinguishes von Breda from other Swedish portraitists of the time and shows the influence of his teacher, Joshua Reynolds.

Credit: Transferred 1865 Kongl. Museum