Anton Jurij Rudež (1818–1839) was the first son of Jožef Rudež and Marija Sadnik, owner of the Ribnica Manor, a landholder at Tolsti Vrh and in Dragomlje, and owner of house no. 54 on Stari Trg in Ljubljana. As the firstborn, Anton was supposed to assume ownership of the estate in Ribnica along with the castle that is depicted in the background of Langus’s portrait. This portrait portrays what was a rather early assumption of a social role in Anton’s adolescence. The 15-year-old was forced to abandon his carefree youth and take on the offices of a wealthy landowner. This role is hinted at by the hunting rifle, which can be taken for a requisite, archetypal attribute of a grown man. But the blush of his cheeks, the off-center hat, and the rifle cocked to the side hint at the boy’s awkwardness and lack of experience. His life did not pan out according to his expectations, as he passed away in 1839, just 6 years after this painting was produced.