The Bonnier family of publishers and booksellers had their roots in Germany, but came to Sweden via Denmark. Adolf Bonnier opened a bookshop and lending library in Gothenburg in 1827. Two years later he set up in business in Stockholm, where he also ran a publishing house. The intimate character of this portrait brings to mind Danish Golden Age painting of the early 19th century. The artist may have been David Monies, whose early works it recalls.