A Swedish artist and painter, Anders Leonard Zorn, achieved international fame as a sculptor, etcher, and painter. He is best known for painting the portraits of Swedish King Oscar II and three American presidents. He also created a series of famous paintings featuring portraits of the renowned American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

Anders Zorn studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm and was a member of the Academy during his studies. While studying, he received commissions from wealthy members of the Stockholm society. He married Emma Lamm, a wealthy Jewish merchant family who was interested in art and culture. The couple married in 1885. The portrait depicts a scene in a church and is a striking representation of the town's folklore and history.