Ellen Poulsen, A Catalogue Raisonné of the Works of Jens Juel mentions two paintings representing Gerner, no. 330, owned by the National Gallery of Denmark and no. 464, owned by Søofficersforeningen (the naval officers' club); as well as a pastel also owned by the National Gallery of Denmark.

Henrik Gerner had a long distinguished career in the navy: 1763 Second Lieutenant, 1770 Senior Lieutenant, 1772 Chief Technical Officer of the shipbuilding of the fleet. Between 1772 and 1787 he “built” 14 ships of the line and 10 frigates in addition to many smaller vessels. He established the still existing “Søe-Lieutenant-Selskabet” (The Naval Lieutenant's Society), which ever since has had a major impact on the education of young naval officers; and a construction school where Gerner held lectures. In 1769, he became a member of the “Kongelige danske Landhusholdningsselskab”. 5 years later, he was elected its president. He introduced lightening conductors (lynafledere) in Denmark. Gerner is buried in Holmen's Church. Today Gerner is considered as one of the great intellectuals of the Royal Danish Navy.

Provenance: The portrait was painted by Jens Juel and his workshop at the order of supercargo Jens Wuldem (1749–1815). After returning home from abroad in 1797, he ordered a series of paintings of “Talentfulde Mænd” (Gifted men), including the present painting. At his death, Wuldem bequeathed the portrait to his friend and colleague Jacob Brønnum Scavenius (1749–1820) at Gjorslev. Sold from Gjorslev at Winkel & Magnussen auction 35, 1925 no. 20. Here acquired by the King's counsellor Hendrik Stein (1874–1944).