This portrait was part of the collection at the Cekin Mansion (Leopoldsruhe), which Count Leopold Lamberg began building in 1752 as a rural mansion on the city’s outskirts (NG S 277). Ancestral portrait galleries constituted an important part of noble families’ collections. The painting of Bonfrid was likely a part of the 24 ancestral portraits here, including a depiction of Count Janez Herbard Lamberg (NG S 1340) and Metzinger’s portraits of Leopold Lamberg (NG S 277, NG S 278). This illustrious gallery was also complemented by portraits of Maria Theresa (NG S 1350) and her husband Franz I, both by painter Martin van Meytens. The portrait remained at the Cekin Mansion until the second half of the 19th century, whereupon Edvard Karl Strahl acquired it for his own collection, hanging it in the hall on the third floor of the castle in Stara Loka.
The unknown painter depicted Bonfrid in accordance with his station – under the white, laced collar of his black robe hangs a gleaming cross of the Teutonic Order, within which in 1664 Bonfrid assumed the role of commander of the Austrian province. The same year, he also received the title of chamberlain, a special honorary and inherited role, symbolized by the golden key in his right hand.