(b Stockholm, 30 Oct 1737; d Stockholm, 6 Dec 1807). Swedish miniature painter. He received his first training in miniature painting and gouache technique from his father, Niclas Lafrensen the elder (1698–1756), a self-taught miniature painter who had gained some popularity at the Swedish court. From 1762 to 1769 Lafrensen the younger studied in Paris, where French Rococo painting suited his temperament and was to be most important for his future development. His choice of realistic themes rather than those from the antique world led to his becoming a favourite of the public, though not of the academicians. On his return to Stockholm he obtained a commission from Crown Prince Gustav (later Gustav III) to paint 12 miniature portraits (1770; Stockholm, Nmus.), in connection with which he was appointed Royal Court Miniature Painter. He was accepted into the Kungliga Akademi för die Fria Konsterna in Stockholm but was passed over for a professorial appointment.

• Lafrensen, Niclas, the younger (1737-1807)
  • patrons and collectors
    • Erotic art, §I, 2(iii): Western world, c 1700–c 1900
    • Trolle-Bonde, Gustaf
  • reproductive prints by others
    • Gouache manner, §2: History
    • Janinet, Jean-François
    • Launay, de
  • works
    • Miniature, §II, 4: Portrait and related forms, c 1770–c 1820: From Hall to Isabey