The will for power, honour and glory has always been a typical component of the noble perception. The author presents on the case of particular related members of the Brdski and Gallenberg families who owned the Brdo estate in the 16th and 17th centuries, by what ways they were attaining social power, and by what means they maintained their image and took care of their fame. At the time of the renaissance, power was attained by property, gained in a manner we call early capitalist, while fame by heroism at war and by building achievements. Two hundred years later building achievements were still of great importance for the nobleman’s (self)image, while power was demonstrated by various functions in the province and at court. Patronage becomes of great significance, especially supporting authors in printing their works, in which they would praise their patrons in the forewords.