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'''Jakob Fugger of the Lily''' ({{lang-de|Jakob Fugger von der Lilie}}) (6 March 1459 – 30 December 1525) also known as '''Jakob Fugger the Rich''' or sometimes '''Jakob II. Fugger''' was a major merchant, mining entrepreneur and banker of Europe between ca. 1495-1525. He was a descendant of the [[Fugger]] merchant family located in the Free Imperial City of [[Augsburg]], where he was also born. Within a few decades he expanded the family firm to a business operating in all of Europe. He began his education with the age of 14 in [[Venice]], which also remained his main residence until 1487. At the same time he was a [[cleric]] and held several [[prebendaries]], even though he never lived in a monastery.
'''Jakob Fugger''' '''''of the Lily''''' ({{lang-de|Jakob Fugger von der Lilie}}) (6 March 1459 – 30 December 1525) also known as '''Jakob Fugger''' '''''the Rich''''' or sometimes '''Jakob II. Fugger''' was a major merchant, mining entrepreneur and banker of Europe between ca. 1495-1525. He was a descendant of the [[Fugger]] merchant family located in the Free Imperial City of [[Augsburg]], where he was also born. Within a few decades he expanded the family firm to a business operating in all of Europe. He began his education with the age of 14 in [[Venice]], which also remained his main residence until 1487. At the same time he was a [[cleric]] and held several [[prebendaries]], even though he never lived in a monastery.


The foundation of the family's wealth was created mainly by the textile trade with [[Italy]]. The company grew rapidly after the brothers Ulrich, Georg and Jakob began banking transactions with the House of [[Habsburg]] as well as the [[Roman Curia]], and at the same time began mining operations in [[Tirol]], and from 1493 on the extraction of [[silver]] and [[copper]] in the present Czech Republic and Slovakia. As of 1525 they also had the right to mine [[quicksilver]] and [[cinnabar]] in [[Almadén]].
The foundation of the family's wealth was created mainly by the textile trade with [[Italy]]. The company grew rapidly after the brothers Ulrich, Georg and Jakob began banking transactions with the House of [[Habsburg]] as well as the [[Roman Curia]], and at the same time began mining operations in [[Tyrol]], and from 1493 on the extraction of [[silver]] and [[copper]] in the present Czech Republic and Slovakia. As of 1525 they also had the right to mine [[quicksilver]] and [[cinnabar]] in [[Almadén]].


After 1487 Jakob Fugger was the de facto head of the Fugger business operations which by then had an almost monopolistic hold on the European copper market.<ref>Peter Geffcken: ''Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack"''. In: DAMALS 7/2004</ref> Copper from [[Upper Hungaria]] was transported through [[Antwerp]] to [[Lisbon]], and from there shipped to [[India]]. Jakob Fugger also contributed to the first and only trade expedition to India that German merchants cooperated in, a Portuguese fleet to the Indian west coast (1505/06) as well as a failed Spanish trade expedition to the [[Maluku Islands]].
After 1487 Jakob Fugger was the ''de facto'' head of the Fugger business operations which soon had an almost monopolistic hold on the European copper market.<ref>Peter Geffcken: ''Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack"''. In: DAMALS 7/2004</ref> Copper from [[Upper Hungaria]] was transported through [[Antwerp]] to [[Lisbon]], and from there shipped to [[India]]. Jakob Fugger also contributed to the first and only trade expedition to India that German merchants cooperated in, a Portuguese fleet to the Indian west coast (1505/06) as well as a failed Spanish trade expedition to the [[Maluku Islands]].


With his support of the [[Habsburg]] dynasty as a banker he had a decisive influence on European politics at the time. He financed the rise of [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor| Maximilian I.]] and made considerable contributions to secure the election of the Spanish king [[Charles_V,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Charles V]] to become [[Holy_Roman_Emperor|Holy Roman Emperor]]. Jakob Fugger also funded the marriages which later resulted in House Habsburg gaining the kingdoms of [[Bohemia]] and [[Hungary]].
With his support of the [[Habsburg]] dynasty as a banker he had a decisive influence on European politics at the time. He financed the rise of [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor| Maximilian I.]] and made considerable contributions to secure the election of the Spanish king [[Charles_V,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Charles V]] to become [[Holy_Roman_Emperor|Holy Roman Emperor]]. Jakob Fugger also funded the marriages which later resulted in House Habsburg gaining the kingdoms of [[Bohemia]] and [[Hungary]].
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Jakob Fugger secured his legacy and lasting fame through his foundations in Augsburg. A [[St._Anne%27s_Church,_Augsburg|Chapel]] funded by him and built from 1509 to 1512 is Germany's first [[renaissance]] building and contains the tombs of the brothers Ulrich, Georg and Jakob. The [[Fuggerei]] which was founded by Jakob in 1521 is the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. The Damenhof, part of the [[Fuggerhäuser]] in Augsburg, is the first secular renaissance building in Germany and was built in 1515.
Jakob Fugger secured his legacy and lasting fame through his foundations in Augsburg. A [[St._Anne%27s_Church,_Augsburg|Chapel]] funded by him and built from 1509 to 1512 is Germany's first [[renaissance]] building and contains the tombs of the brothers Ulrich, Georg and Jakob. The [[Fuggerei]] which was founded by Jakob in 1521 is the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. The Damenhof, part of the [[Fuggerhäuser]] in Augsburg, is the first secular renaissance building in Germany and was built in 1515.


At his death on 30 December 1525 Jakob Fugger bequeathed to his nephew [[Anton Fugger]] company assets totaling 2,032,652 guilders.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last= |first= |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |editor= |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] |title=Anton Fugger |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/221438/Anton-Fugger |edition= |date= |year= |month= |publisher= |volume= |location= |id= |isbn= |doi= |pages= |quote= | accessdate= }}</ref> He is considered to be one of the richest persons of all time,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://interactive.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/mill-1-timeline-fugger.htm | title= Jakob Fugger | work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> and today he is well known as Jakob Fugger 'the Rich'. He is among the most well known Germans and arguably the most famous citizen of Augsburg. In 1967 a bust of him was placed in the [[Walhalla memorial|Walhalla]], a "hall of fame" near [[Regensburg]] that honors laudable and distinguished Germans.
At his death on 30 December 1525 Jakob Fugger bequeathed to his nephew [[Anton Fugger]] company assets totaling 2,032,652 [[guilders]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last= |first= |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |editor= |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] |title=Anton Fugger |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/221438/Anton-Fugger |edition= |date= |year= |month= |publisher= |volume= |location= |id= |isbn= |doi= |pages= |quote= | accessdate= }}</ref> He is considered to be one of the richest persons of all time,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://interactive.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/mill-1-timeline-fugger.htm | title= Jakob Fugger | work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> and today he is well known as Jakob Fugger 'the Rich'. He is among the most well known Germans and arguably the most famous citizen of Augsburg. In 1967 a bust of him was placed in the [[Walhalla memorial|Walhalla]], a "hall of fame" near [[Regensburg]] that honors laudable and distinguished Germans.


== Life ==
== Life ==
=== Background, education and early years in Venice ===
=== Background, education and early years in Venice ===
[[File:Fugger_vonderliliewappen.jpg|thumb|Coat of arms of the Fugger of the lily family, granted in 1473]]
[[File:Fugger_vonderliliewappen.jpg|thumb|Coat of arms of the Fugger of the lily family, granted in 1473]]
Jakob Fugger was born as the tenth of eleven children by [[Jakob_Fugger_the_Elder|Jakob Fugger the Elder]] (1398-1469) and his wife Barbara (1419–1497), daughter of [[Münzmeister]] Franz Bäsinger. The Fugger family members, by now second generation [[burgher|burghers]] in [[Augsburg]] had already established themselves as successful merchants in the city. Hans Fugger, grandfather of Jacob Fugger the Rich had taken up residence in Augsburg in 1367, became a burgher through marriage and acquired considerable wealth by trading textiles with Italy. A few years before his death his son Jakob Fugger the Elder was already one of the richest citizens of Augsburg.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 20-22</ref>
Jakob Fugger was born as the tenth of eleven children to [[Jakob_Fugger_the_Elder|Jakob Fugger the Elder]] (1398-1469) and his wife Barbara (1419–1497), daughter of [[Münzmeister]] Franz Bäsinger. The Fugger family members, by now second generation [[burgher|burghers]] in [[Augsburg]], had already established themselves as successful merchants in the city. Hans Fugger, grandfather of Jacob Fugger the Rich had taken up residence in Augsburg in 1367, became a burgher through marriage and acquired considerable wealth by trading textiles with Italy. A few years before his death his son Jakob Fugger the Elder was already one of the richest citizens of Augsburg.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 20-22</ref>


Jakobs older brother Ulrich (1441–1510) und [[Georg Fugger|Georg]] (1453–1506) created the basis for the rise of the company in Europe. Around 1470 they founded manufactories in [[Venice]] and [[Nuremberg]], then important centers of trade. Jakob Fugger's older brothers Andreas and Hans both died young in Venice. His brother Markus was a cleric and from 1470 on a writer in a papal [[chancery]] in [[Rome]] where he died in 1478. His brother Peter Fugger died of an epidemic in Nuremberg in 1473.<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 44-46</ref><ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 34,35</ref>
Jakobs older brothers [[Ulrich_Fugger_the_Elder|Ulrich]] (1441–1510) und [[Georg Fugger|Georg]] (1453–1506) created the basis for the rise of the company in Europe. Around 1470 they founded manufactories in [[Venice]] and [[Nuremberg]], then important centers of trade. Jakob Fugger's brothers Andreas and Hans both died young in Venice. His brother Markus was a cleric and from 1470 on a writer in a papal [[chancery]] in [[Rome]] where he died in 1478. His brother Peter died of an epidemic in Nuremberg in 1473.<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 44-46</ref><ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 34,35</ref>


Loans given to Emperor [[Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Frederick III]] and supplies given to his entourage by Ulrich Fugger were the reason for the family being granted the lily coat of arms in 1473.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 26</ref> The "of the lily" ({{lang-de|von der Lilie}}) naming after this coat of arms distinguishes this branch of the Fugger family from the "of the doe" ({{lang-de|vom Reh}}) branch.
Loans given to Emperor [[Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Frederick III]] and supplies given to his entourage by Ulrich Fugger were the reason for the family being granted the lily coat of arms in 1473.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 26</ref> The "of the lily" ({{lang-de|von der Lilie}}) naming after this coat of arms distinguishes this line of the Fugger family from the "of the doe" ({{lang-de|vom Reh}}) branch.


Until 2009 historians assumed that Jakob Fugger, who was a [[Minor_orders|minor order]] at the age of 12, had lived as a [[canon]] in a church located in [[Herrieden]]. A document from the Austrian state archive has now shown that Jakob Fugger was already representing his family business in Venice in 1473 at the age of 14.<ref>Geffcken 2009, p. 15</ref>. Other research showed that Jakob Fugger spent the years between 1473 and 1487 mostly at the [[Fondaco dei Tedeschi]], the house of German merchants in Venice. Venice being one of the most important centers of trade at the time proved to be an ideal environment for Jakob Fugger's education in banking and the metal trade.<ref>Pölnitz 2009, p. 32,33</ref> His long residence in Italy also helped bring the [[renaissance]] style to the German region, with him funding the construction of the first buildings of this style that originated in Italy. Legal and architectural structures of Venice also had a significant influence on the funding of the [[Fuggerei]] which was similar to the social housing of Venice.
Until 2009 historians assumed that Jakob Fugger, who was a [[Minor_orders|minor order]] at the age of 12, had lived as a [[canon]] in a church located in [[Herrieden]]. A document from the Austrian state archive has now shown that Jakob Fugger was already representing his family business in Venice in 1473 at the age of 14.<ref>Geffcken 2009, p. 15</ref>. Other research showed that Jakob Fugger spent the years between 1473 and 1487 mostly at the [[Fondaco dei Tedeschi]], the house of German merchants in Venice. Venice being one of the most important centers of trade at the time proved to be an ideal environment for Jakob Fugger's education in banking and the metal trade.<ref>Pölnitz 2009, p. 32,33</ref> His long residence in Italy also helped bring the [[renaissance]] style to the German region, with him funding the construction of the first buildings of this style that originated in Italy. Legal and architectural structures of Venice also had a significant influence on the funding of the [[Fuggerei]] which was similar to the social housing of Venice.
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Jakob Fugger was responsible for his families business in Augsburg, [[Tyrol]], Venice and Rome. Around 1485 the family also founded manufactories in [[Innsbruck]] (since 1510 in [[Hall in Tirol|Hall]], since 1539 in [[Schwaz]]). Through a small loan he there first came into contact with [[Sigismund,_Archduke_of_Austria|Archduke Sigismund]], a member of the Habsburg family. The archduke had as the sole owner of the Tyrol property rights handed out permissions for mining operations to private investors which in return had to pay a share of their profits to Sigismund. Despite this income he was in constant shortage of money owed to a lavish lifestyle, several illegitimate children and his extensive construction projects. A responsibility to pay the amount of 100.000 guilders of war reparations to Venice was eventually financed by Jakob Fugger. In 1488 the total debt already amounted to more than 150.000 guilders. Notable was the form of payment: Instead of paying the [[F%C3%BCrst]] directly the Fugger family paid the money to his creditors as well as providing the wages for the royal court and craftsmen. In 1517 the Fugger family financed more than half of Tyrol's public budget. As a result they were at times entitled to all the silver and copper out of Tyrol.<ref>Eike Eberhard Unger: ''Die Fugger in Hall i.T.'', Tübingen 1967</ref>.
Jakob Fugger was responsible for his families business in Augsburg, [[Tyrol]], Venice and Rome. Around 1485 the family also founded manufactories in [[Innsbruck]] (since 1510 in [[Hall in Tirol|Hall]], since 1539 in [[Schwaz]]). Through a small loan he there first came into contact with [[Sigismund,_Archduke_of_Austria|Archduke Sigismund]], a member of the Habsburg family. The archduke had as the sole owner of the Tyrol property rights handed out permissions for mining operations to private investors which in return had to pay a share of their profits to Sigismund. Despite this income he was in constant shortage of money owed to a lavish lifestyle, several illegitimate children and his extensive construction projects. A responsibility to pay the amount of 100.000 guilders of war reparations to Venice was eventually financed by Jakob Fugger. In 1488 the total debt already amounted to more than 150.000 guilders. Notable was the form of payment: Instead of paying the [[F%C3%BCrst]] directly the Fugger family paid the money to his creditors as well as providing the wages for the royal court and craftsmen. In 1517 the Fugger family financed more than half of Tyrol's public budget. As a result they were at times entitled to all the silver and copper out of Tyrol.<ref>Eike Eberhard Unger: ''Die Fugger in Hall i.T.'', Tübingen 1967</ref>.


=== The relationship with Maximilian I ===
=== Relationship with Maximilian I ===
[[file:Albrecht_Dürer_084b.jpg|thumb|left|''Emperor Maximilian I.'', Albrecht Dürer (1519)]]
[[file:Albrecht_Dürer_084b.jpg|thumb|left|''Emperor Maximilian I.'', Albrecht Dürer (1519)]]
The expansion of high-risk, albeit very lucrative business connections to Maximilian I was undoubtedly promoted by Jakob. In his view, the House of Habsburg was bound to be the dominant power and dynasty within the German region, and as such should receive his financial and political support. Jakob Fugger met the young Roman-German king for the first time in 1489 at a Frankfurt fair.
The expansion of high-risk, albeit very lucrative business connections to Maximilian I was undoubtedly promoted by Jakob. In his view, the House of Habsburg was bound to be the dominant power and dynasty within the German region, and as such should receive his financial and political support. Jakob Fugger met the young Roman-German king for the first time in 1489 at a Frankfurt fair.
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Thus the Fugger business became on of the most important financial backers of Maximilian, who since 1486 was co-regent of the Holy Roman Empire. After his father [[Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Frederick III]] died in 1493 he became the reigning emperor. Despite having constant financial difficulties due to an extravagant lifestyle and many failed political projects his reign saw the kingdoms of [[Habsburg_Spain|Spain]], [[Kingdom_of_Bohemia|Bohemia]] and [[Kingdom_of_Hungary_(1538–1867)|Hungary]] gained for the House of Habsburg, not by waging war but through advantageous marriage arrangements which were funded with the help of Jakob Fugger.<ref>[http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/emperormaximilian.htm Maximilian I. Excerpted from Encyclopædia Britannica.]</ref>
Thus the Fugger business became on of the most important financial backers of Maximilian, who since 1486 was co-regent of the Holy Roman Empire. After his father [[Frederick_III,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Frederick III]] died in 1493 he became the reigning emperor. Despite having constant financial difficulties due to an extravagant lifestyle and many failed political projects his reign saw the kingdoms of [[Habsburg_Spain|Spain]], [[Kingdom_of_Bohemia|Bohemia]] and [[Kingdom_of_Hungary_(1538–1867)|Hungary]] gained for the House of Habsburg, not by waging war but through advantageous marriage arrangements which were funded with the help of Jakob Fugger.<ref>[http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/emperormaximilian.htm Maximilian I. Excerpted from Encyclopædia Britannica.]</ref>


On 15 July 1507 Maximilian I sold the County of [[Illerkirchberg|Kirchberg]], located at [[Ulm]], the adjacent lordship [[Weißenhorn]] with the associated city, as well as the lordships Wullenstetten and [[Pfaffenhofen_an_der_Roth|Pfaffenhofen(Roth)]] from the Habsburg possessions in [[Vorderösterreich|Further Austria]] to Jakob Fugger.<ref>Sarah Hadry: ''Die Fugger in Kirchberg und Weißenhorn. Herrschaftsverfassung und Leibeigenschaft, Konfessionalisierung und Residenzbildung'', Augsburg 2007</ref> Maximilian I who crowned himself Holy Roman Emperor in 1508 received a payment of 50.000 guilders for these sales. More sales followed in 1508 where he sold manor [[Schmiechen]] and in 1514 where he sold the lordship [[Biberach|Biberach]] to Fugger. Maximilian I elevated Jakob Fugger into nobility in 1511 and granted him the title of [[Imperial_Count|Imperial Count]] in 1514 so the former burgher could operate his business without interference from local nobility.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 42</ref><ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 112</ref>
On 15 July 1507 Maximilian I sold the County of [[Illerkirchberg|Kirchberg]], located at [[Ulm]], the adjacent lordship [[Weißenhorn]] with the associated city, as well as the lordships Wullenstetten and [[Pfaffenhofen_an_der_Roth|Pfaffenhofen(Roth)]] from the Habsburg possessions in [[Vorderösterreich|Further Austria]] to Jakob Fugger.<ref>Sarah Hadry: ''Die Fugger in Kirchberg und Weißenhorn. Herrschaftsverfassung und Leibeigenschaft, Konfessionalisierung und Residenzbildung'', Augsburg 2007</ref> Maximilian I who crowned himself Holy Roman Emperor in 1508 received a payment of 50.000 guilders for these sales. More sales followed in 1508 where he sold manor [[Schmiechen]] and in 1514 where he sold the lordship [[Biberach|Biberach]] to Fugger. Maximilian I elevated Jakob Fugger into nobility in 1511 and granted him the title of [[Imperial_Count|Imperial Count]] in 1514 so the former burgher could operate his business without interference from local nobility.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 188</ref><ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 112</ref> In the course of his life Jakob Fugger also became lord of more than 50 smaller villages.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 188</ref>


Criticism from reformer [[Martin Luther]] on the Fugger business methods and novelistic portrayal from early research have lead to the notion that Jakob Fugger exercised considerable power over Maximilian I the king and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, while more recent research shows that this was only partially true.<ref>Mark Häberlein: ''Die Fugger. Geschichte einer Augsburger Familie (1367–1650)'', Stuttgart 2006</ref> Close to the end of his life Maximilian was so heavily indebted to Jakob Fugger that he had no choice but to continue his support for the emperor to still be able reclaim his outstanding debits. When Maximilians grandson Charles V stood for election to become the next Emperor Jakob Fugger raised a sum of more than 500.000 guilders, a significant portion of his wealth and of the total amount raised in his support, to ensure the [[Prince-elector]] would succeed his grandfather. Thereby he helped prevent the election of [[Francis_I_of_France|Francis I of France]] which would have endangered his claims and investments gravely, although it also made him highly dependent on the House of Habsurg. Much later the Fugger family lost a large portion of their wealth following three Spanish state bankruptcies(1557, 1560, 1575) under the reign of [[Philip_II_of_Spain|Philip II of Spain]].<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 122</ref><ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 255</ref>
Criticism from reformer [[Martin Luther]] on the Fugger business methods and novelistic portrayal from early research have lead to the notion that Jakob Fugger exercised considerable power over Maximilian I the king and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, while more recent research shows that this was only partially true.<ref>Mark Häberlein: ''Die Fugger. Geschichte einer Augsburger Familie (1367–1650)'', Stuttgart 2006</ref> Close to the end of his life Maximilian was so heavily indebted to Jakob Fugger that he had no choice but to continue his support for the emperor to still be able reclaim his outstanding debits. When Maximilians grandson Charles V stood for election to become the next Emperor Jakob Fugger raised a sum of more than 500.000 guilders, a significant portion of his wealth and of the total amount raised in his support, to ensure the [[Prince-elector]] would succeed his grandfather. Thereby he helped prevent the election of [[Francis_I_of_France|Francis I of France]] which would have endangered his claims and investments gravely, although it also made him highly dependent on the House of Habsurg. Much later the Fugger family lost a large portion of their wealth following three Spanish state bankruptcies(1557, 1560, 1575) under the reign of [[Philip_II_of_Spain|Philip II of Spain]].<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 101</ref><ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 255</ref>


=== The Fugger mining and metal trade ===
=== Mining and metal trade ===
[[file:Nuremberg chronicles - Augusta vendilicorum.png|thumb|360px|Augsburg, [[Hartmann Schedel|Schedel’sche]] Weltchronik (1493)]]
[[file:Nuremberg chronicles - Augusta vendilicorum.png|thumb|360px|Augsburg, [[Hartmann Schedel|Schedel’sche]] Weltchronik (1493)]]
Likely at the insistence of Jakob Fugger the company became one of the first open trading companies ({{lang-de|"der compagnia palese des welschen Rechts"}})<ref>[http://pom.bbaw.de/exist/servlet/db/JDG/scripts/browse.xql?id=JRE0264AII&year=1926 Jahresbericht für Deutsche Geschichte]</ref> in Europe in 1494. At the same time, it was renamed into "Ulrich Fugger of Augsburg and brothers" to show the equality of the three brothers involved in business issues, even though Tyrolean sources almost universally speak of the Jakob Fugger company and central contracts of the Hungarian trade were all signed by him. At this development the greatly increased influence of Jakob within the company can be observed. Since the late 1480s Jakob Fugger more and more dominated the company's policies, although the eldest brother Ulrich still formally led the company.<ref> Peter Geffcken: ''Jakob Fugger der Reiche (1459–1525): "Königsmacher", Stratege und Organisator"''. In: DAMALS 7/2004</ref>
Likely at the insistence of Jakob Fugger the company became one of the first open trading companies ({{lang-de|"der compagnia palese des welschen Rechts"}})<ref>[http://pom.bbaw.de/exist/servlet/db/JDG/scripts/browse.xql?id=JRE0264AII&year=1926 Jahresbericht für Deutsche Geschichte]</ref> in Europe in 1494. At the same time, it was renamed into "Ulrich Fugger of Augsburg and brothers" to show the equality of the three brothers involved in business issues, even though Tyrolean sources almost universally speak of the Jakob Fugger company and central contracts of the Hungarian trade were all signed by him. At this development the greatly increased influence of Jakob within the company can be observed. Since the late 1480s Jakob Fugger more and more dominated the company's policies, although the eldest brother Ulrich still formally led the company.<ref> Peter Geffcken: ''Jakob Fugger der Reiche (1459–1525): "Königsmacher", Stratege und Organisator"''. In: DAMALS 7/2004</ref>


The enormous growth potential in the [[mining]] and [[ore]] trade was very profitably harnessed by Jakob Fugger in the following years. As collateral for loans that he had given to the Habsburgs and the King of Hungary, he demanded mine revenues of Tyrol and the transfer of mining rights in Upper Hungary to him. Through this method he eventually established a dominant and almost monopolistic hold on the copper trade in Central Europe. With his business partner [[Thurzo|Hans Thurzó]] he founded the Hungarian trade in 1494. Mines funded by Fugger were constructed in [[Neusohl]], at the time part of the Hungarian Kingdom. The expansion continued with the construction of a smelting plants in Neusohl, [[Arnoldstein]] in [[Carinthia_(state)|Carinthia]], [[Hohenkirchen,_Thuringia|Hohenkirchen]] in Thuringia and [[Moštenica|Moschnitz]].<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 46</ref> The copper was distributed through manufactories in [[Breslau]], [[Leipzig]], [[Krakau]] and [[Buda|Ofen]]. For transportation to the ports of [[Danzig]], [[Stettin]] und [[Lübeck]] on the [[Baltic_Sea|Baltic Sea]] Fugger funded the construction of a new road across the [[Jablunkov_Pass|Jablunkov Pass]]. From those ports the copper was shipped to the [[Russia|Russian]] region and additionally through [[Antwerp]] to [[Lisbon]] where it was an important Portuguese trade good destined for the export to [[India]].<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 291</ref><ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 80</ref> Part of the copper was also transported through [[Wiener Neustadt]] and the Adriatic ports [[Triest]] and [[Senj|Zengg]] to the copper market in Venice. At the time mines from both Tyrol and Hungary provided a combined 80% of the total European production in copper which provided an incredibly advantageous position in the European market, albeit not a total monopoly.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 54-55</ref>
The enormous growth potential in the [[mining]] and [[ore]] trade was very profitably harnessed by Jakob Fugger in the following years. As collateral for loans that he had given to the Habsburgs and the King of Hungary, he demanded mine revenues of Tyrol and the transfer of mining rights in Upper Hungary to him. Through this method he eventually established a dominant and almost monopolistic hold on the copper trade in Central Europe. With his business partner [[Thurzo|Hans Thurzó]] he founded the Hungarian trade in 1494.<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 76 et seq.</ref> Mines funded by Fugger were constructed in [[Neusohl]], at the time part of the Hungarian Kingdom. The expansion continued with the construction of smelting plants in Neusohl, [[Arnoldstein]] in [[Carinthia_(state)|Carinthia]], [[Hohenkirchen,_Thuringia|Hohenkirchen]] in Thuringia and [[Moštenica|Moschnitz]].<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 46</ref> The copper was distributed through manufactories in [[Breslau]], [[Leipzig]], [[Krakau]] and [[Buda|Ofen]]. For transportation to the ports of [[Danzig]], [[Stettin]] und [[Lübeck]] on the [[Baltic_Sea|Baltic Sea]] Fugger funded the construction of a new road across the [[Jablunkov_Pass|Jablunkov Pass]]. From those ports the copper was shipped to the [[Russia|Russian]] region and additionally through [[Antwerp]] to [[Lisbon]] where it was an important Portuguese trade good destined for the export to [[India]].<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 291</ref><ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 80</ref> Part of the copper was also transported through [[Wiener Neustadt]] and the Adriatic ports [[Triest]] and [[Senj|Zengg]] to the copper market in Venice. At the time mines from both Tyrol and Hungary provided the bulk of the total European production in copper which provided an incredibly advantageous position in the European market, albeit not a total monopoly.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 46-48</ref>


=== The Vatican as a client ===
=== The Vatican as a client ===
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The Fugger family were the first German trading house in a direct business relationship with the Roman Curia.<ref>''Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack"''. In: DAMALS 7/2004</ref> Following the death of Pope [[Alexander VI]] in August 1503 Jakob Fugger intensified his contacts to the [[Vatican]] in Rome. For the new Pope [[Julius II]] Fugger financed the recruitment of the pontifical [[Swiss_Guard|Swiss Guard]] in 1505/1506, which still exists today. Early dealings in Rome are attributed to the cleric Markus Fugger and have happened in 1473. In 1477 the Fugger business was responsible for transferring church revenues in Sweden to Rome. Between 1508 an 1524 the company leased the Roman mint, the [[Papal_mint|Zecca]]. In this time there were 66 types of coins manufactured for four different popes. After this the Fugger family was only represented by one manufactory in Rome, mostly due to the [[Sacco_di_Roma|"Sacco di Roma"]] and the less German friendly Medici Pope [[Pope_Clement_VII|Clement VII]].<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 50</ref>
The Fugger family were the first German trading house in a direct business relationship with the Roman Curia.<ref>''Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack"''. In: DAMALS 7/2004</ref> Following the death of Pope [[Alexander VI]] in August 1503 Jakob Fugger intensified his contacts to the [[Vatican]] in Rome. For the new Pope [[Julius II]] Fugger financed the recruitment of the pontifical [[Swiss_Guard|Swiss Guard]] in 1505/1506, which still exists today. Early dealings in Rome are attributed to the cleric Markus Fugger and have happened in 1473. In 1477 the Fugger business was responsible for transferring church revenues in Sweden to Rome. Between 1508 an 1524 the company leased the Roman mint, the [[Papal_mint|Zecca]]. In this time there were 66 types of coins manufactured for four different popes. After this the Fugger family was only represented by one manufactory in Rome, mostly due to the [[Sacco_di_Roma|"Sacco di Roma"]] and the less German friendly Medici Pope [[Pope_Clement_VII|Clement VII]].<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 50</ref>


As one of the leading bankers in Europe and because of his close relationship to the Vatican Jakob Fugger was also engaged in the sale of indulgences.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 70</ref>
As one of the leading bankers in Europe and because of his close relationship to the Vatican Jakob Fugger was also engaged in the sale of indulgences.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 72</ref>


For the acquisition of two [[archdioceses]] in 1515 Fugger provided a loan of 48.000 guilders to [[Albrecht_(Brandenburg)|Albrecht von Brandenburg]], since 1512 archbishop of [[Magdeburg]] and since 1514 also archbishop of [[Mainz]]. To repay his debt Albrecht ceded his part of the indulgence granted by Pope [[Leo_X|Leo X]] for the construction of [[St._Peter%27s_Basilica|St. Peter's Basilica]]. Within the scope of the total economic scale of the Fugger business however the sale of indulgences was an insignificant banking operation.<ref>Aloys Schulte: ''Die Fugger in Rom 1495–1523'', 2 Vol, Leipzig 1904</ref> Nevertheless it caused considerable potential for conflict due to its moral dubiousness, and its role in the advancement of the Reformation in Germany. The conduct of the [[Dominican_Order|Dominican]] [[Johann_Tetzel|Johann Tetzel]] who was heavily involved in the sale of indulgences was one of the causes that motivated [[Martin_Luther|Martin Luther]] to formulate his [[95_Theses|95 Theses]]. 1520 Luther wrote in his letter "[[To_the_Christian_Nobility_of_the_German_Nation|To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation]]" ({{lang-de|An den christlichen Adel deutscher Nation}}) "Fugger and similar people really need to be kept in check" ({{lang-de|Man müsste wirklich dem Fugger und dergleichen Gesellschaft einen Zaum ins Maul legen}}).<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 171</ref>
For the acquisition of two [[archdioceses]] in 1515 Fugger provided a loan of 48.000 guilders to [[Albrecht_(Brandenburg)|Albrecht von Brandenburg]], since 1512 archbishop of [[Magdeburg]] and since 1514 also archbishop of [[Mainz]]. To repay his debt Albrecht ceded his part of the indulgence granted by Pope [[Leo_X|Leo X]] for the construction of [[St._Peter%27s_Basilica|St. Peter's Basilica]]. Within the scope of the total economic scale of the Fugger business however the sale of indulgences was an insignificant banking operation.<ref>Aloys Schulte: ''Die Fugger in Rom 1495–1523'', 2 Vol, Leipzig 1904</ref> Nevertheless it caused considerable potential for conflict due to its moral dubiousness, and its role in the advancement of the Reformation in Germany. The conduct of the [[Dominican_Order|Dominican]] [[Johann_Tetzel|Johann Tetzel]] who was heavily involved in the sale of indulgences was one of the causes that motivated [[Martin_Luther|Martin Luther]] to formulate his [[95_Theses|95 Theses]]. 1520 Luther wrote in his letter "[[To_the_Christian_Nobility_of_the_German_Nation|To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation]]" ({{lang-de|An den christlichen Adel deutscher Nation}}) "Fugger and similar people really need to be kept in check" ({{lang-de|Man müsste wirklich dem Fugger und dergleichen Gesellschaft einen Zaum ins Maul legen}}).<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 171</ref>


=== Jakob Fugger and the overseas trade ===
=== Overseas trade ===
The commodity trade played a relatively small role compared to the two main branches of the Fugger business, banking and mining. It is only because of the associated exotic investments that Jakob Fuggers early trading expeditions take a prominent place in the history of the Fugger business.
The commodity trade played a relatively small role compared to the two main branches of the Fugger business, banking and mining. It is only because of the associated exotic investments that Jakob Fuggers early trading expeditions take a prominent place in the history of the Fugger business.


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=== The great crisis of Jacob Fugger ===
=== The great crisis of Jacob Fugger ===
Especially for mining projects in upper Hungary the Fugger company required enormous capital, which at the time it could not raise. Hence Cardinal Melchior von Meckau was the main sponsor of the Fugger business in 1496. The Prince-Bishop had secretly and unknown to his church [[Chapter_(religion)|chapter]] invested 150.000 guilders into the Fugger company in return for interest, thereby evading the official church ban on interest. When he died in Rome in 1509 this investment was uncovered. The Pope, the bishopric [[Brixen]] and the family of Meckau all claiming the inheritance now demanded the immediate payback of these assets which would have resulted in insolvency for Jakob Fugger. It was this situation that prompted Emperor Maximilian I to step in and assist his banker. On the condition of assisting Pope [[Julius_II|Julius II]] in a [[War_of_the_League_of_Cambrai|war]] against the Republic of Venice the Habsburg monarch was recognized as being the rightful heir of Cardinal Melchior von Meckau. The inheritance could now be settled by amortizing outstanding debts. Fugger also had to deliver jewels as compensation to the Pope. However in return for his support Maximilian I demanded the continuous financial support of his ongoing military campaigns.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 80 et seq.</ref>
Especially for mining projects in upper Hungary the Fugger company required enormous capital, which at the time it could not raise. Hence Cardinal Melchior von Meckau was the main sponsor of the Fugger business in 1496. The Prince-Bishop had secretly and unknown to his church [[Chapter_(religion)|chapter]] invested 150.000 guilders into the Fugger company in return for interest, thereby evading the official church ban on interest.<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 79 et seq.</ref> When he died in Rome in 1509 this investment was uncovered. The Pope, the bishopric [[Brixen]] and the family of Meckau all claiming the inheritance now demanded the immediate payback of these assets which would have resulted in insolvency for Jakob Fugger. It was this situation that prompted Emperor Maximilian I to step in and assist his banker. On the condition of assisting Pope [[Julius_II|Julius II]] in a [[War_of_the_League_of_Cambrai|war]] against the Republic of Venice the Habsburg monarch was recognized as being the rightful heir of Cardinal Melchior von Meckau. The inheritance could now be settled by amortizing outstanding debts. Fugger also had to deliver jewels as compensation to the Pope. However in return for his support Maximilian I demanded the continuous financial support of his ongoing military and political campaigns.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 61-63.</ref>


Since the death of his brothers Georg in 1506 and Ulrich in 1510 Jakob Fugger was now running the Fugger business as the sole policy and decision maker. The company was renamed into "Jakob Fugger und Gebrüder Söhne" (Jakob Fugger and Brothers Sons). In the following years up until his death Jakob Fugger managed to raise the family fortune which amounted to about 200.000 guilders in 1511 to more than two million guilders.<ref>Richard Ehrenberg: Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Bde), Jena 1896</ref>
Since the death of his brothers Georg in 1506 and Ulrich in 1510 Jakob Fugger was now running the Fugger business as the sole policy and decision maker. The company was renamed into "Jakob Fugger und Gebrüder Söhne" (Jakob Fugger and Brothers Sons). In the following years up until his death Jakob Fugger managed to raise the family fortune which amounted to about 200.000 guilders in 1511 to more than two million guilders.<ref>Richard Ehrenberg: Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Bde), Jena 1896</ref>


=== The election of Charles V in the year 1519 ===
=== Election of Charles V in 1519 ===
[[file:Charles5orley.jpg|thumb|left|''Portrait of Charles V'', [[Bernard van Orley]] (1519 to 1520)]]
[[file:Charles5orley.jpg|thumb|left|''Portrait of Charles V'', [[Bernard van Orley]] (1519 to 1520)]]
Emperor Maximilian died in January of 1519 and bequeathed to his grandson [[Charles_V,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Carlos I]] the hereditary lands of House Habsburg with adjoining Burgundian lands as well as a disputed claim to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. To secure his essential investments into House Habsburg Jakob Fugger decided to support the election of the 19 year old claimant to the throne. In addition to Carlos I, the English King [[Henry_VIII_of_England|Henry VIII]], the French King [[Francois_I|Francois I]] and [[Frederick_III,_Elector_of_Saxony|Frederick III, Elector of Saxony]] announced their candidacy. Francois I had already secured the votes of the [[Archdiocese_of_Trier|Archdiocese of Trier]] and the [[Electoral_Palatinate|Electoral Palatinate]] as well as offering a sum of 300.000 guilders of election money. The [[Prince-elector|Prince-electors]] consisted of the three archbishoprics of [[Archbishopric_of_Mainz|Mainz]], [[Electorate_of_Cologne|Cologne]] and [[Archbishopric_of_Trier|Trier]] in addition to the [[King_of_Bohemia|King of Bohemia]], the [[Electoral_Palatinate|Electoral Palatinate]], the [[Margrave_of_Brandenburg|Margrave of Brandenburg]] and the [[Rulers_of_Saxony|Duke of Saxony]].
Emperor Maximilian died in January of 1519 and bequeathed to his grandson [[Charles_V,_Holy_Roman_Emperor|Carlos I]] the hereditary lands of House Habsburg with adjoining Burgundian lands as well as a disputed claim to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. To secure his essential investments into House Habsburg Jakob Fugger decided to support the election of the 19 year old claimant to the throne. In addition to Carlos I, the English King [[Henry_VIII_of_England|Henry VIII]], the French King [[Francois_I|Francois I]] and [[Frederick_III,_Elector_of_Saxony|Frederick III, Elector of Saxony]] announced their candidacy. Francois I had already secured the votes of the [[Archdiocese_of_Trier|Archdiocese of Trier]] and the [[Electoral_Palatinate|Electoral Palatinate]] as well as offering a sum of 300.000 guilders of election money. The [[Prince-elector|Prince-electors]] consisted of the three archbishoprics of [[Archbishopric_of_Mainz|Mainz]], [[Electorate_of_Cologne|Cologne]] and [[Archbishopric_of_Trier|Trier]] in addition to the [[King_of_Bohemia|King of Bohemia]], the [[Electoral_Palatinate|Electoral Palatinate]], the [[Margrave_of_Brandenburg|Margrave of Brandenburg]] and the [[Rulers_of_Saxony|Duke of Saxony]].


This was a difficult situation for Carlos I who now relied on the financial capacity of Jakob Fugger to still be able to swerve the election in his favor. Fugger transferred the enormous sum of more than 850.000 guilders to the Prince-electors which ultimately resulted the unanimous election of Carlos I as Holy Roman Emperor on 28 July 1519. Out of this 850.000 guilders Fugger himself funded around 550.000 while another merchant house of Augsburg, the Welser family, contributed about 150.000 and three Italian bankers providing the rest. What today would be seen as bribery was common practice in the election of the Emperor. Exceptional however was the immense amount of money involved in this particular case mainly due to the uncertainty in the outcome of the election.<ref>Strieder 1931, p. 151</ref>
This was a difficult situation for Carlos I who now relied on the financial capacity of Jakob Fugger to still be able to swerve the election in his favor. Fugger transferred the enormous sum of more than 850.000 guilders to the Prince-electors which ultimately resulted in the unanimous election of Carlos I as Holy Roman Emperor on 28 July 1519. Out of this 850.000 guilders Fugger himself funded around 550.000 while another merchant house of Augsburg, the Welser family, contributed about 150.000 and three Italian bankers providing the rest. What today would be seen as bribery was common practice in the election of the Emperor. Exceptional however was the immense amount of money involved in this particular case mainly due to the uncertainty in the outcome of the election.<ref>Strieder 1931, p. 151</ref>


A few days later the Pope granted Carlos I, now Charles V, the right to name himself Elected Emperor. It was only in 1530 when Charles V was crowned Emperor by the Pope in [[Bologna]]. He was the last Emperor to receive a papal coronation.<ref>Maltby, William, The Reign of Charles V,St. Martin's Press, 2002</ref>
A few days later the Pope granted Carlos I, now Charles V, the right to name himself Elected Emperor. It was only in 1530 when Charles V was crowned Emperor by the Pope in [[Bologna]]. He was the last Emperor to receive a papal coronation.<ref>Maltby, William, The Reign of Charles V,St. Martin's Press, 2002</ref>


Charles V, now reigning over a realm "where the sun never set", was now deeply indebted to Jakob Fugger. In 1521 the debts amounted to more than 600.000 guilders. The Emperor amortized 415.000 of this sum and in return granted the Fugger company the silver and copper mining operations of Tyrol. During the [[Reichstag_(Holy_Roman_Empire)|Imperial Diet]] of 1523 in Nuremberg it was debated whether to restrict trade capital and the number of trade establishments companies were allowed to maintain. Jakob Fugger intervened and reminded the Emperor that ''"It is known that your imperial majesty could not have claimed the Roman crown without my help,..."'' ({{lang-de|„Es ist auch wissentlich und liegt am Tage, dass Eure Kaiserliche Majestät die römische Krone ohne mein Zutun nicht hätte erlangen können,…“}})<ref>Franz Herre: ''Die Fugger in ihrer Zeit'', Augsburg, 2000</ref> The added demand of repayment of all debts eventually led to all discussions of trade restrictions and limits to monopolies being dropped. In addition to this Jakob Fugger was granted a concession to mine [[quicksilver]] and [[cinnabar]] in [[Almadén]]. The Fugger company was involved into the Spanish mining business up to the year 1645.<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 149</ref>
Charles V, since his election reigning over a realm ''where the sun never set'', was now deeply indebted to Jakob Fugger. In 1521 the debts amounted to more than 600.000 guilders. The Emperor amortized 415.000 of this sum and in return granted the Fugger company the silver and copper mining operations of Tyrol.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 66</ref> During the [[Reichstag_(Holy_Roman_Empire)|Imperial Diet]] of 1523 in Nuremberg it was debated whether to restrict trade capital and the number of trade establishments companies were allowed to maintain. Jakob Fugger intervened and reminded the Emperor that ''"It is known that your imperial majesty could not have claimed the Roman crown without my help,..."'' ({{lang-de|„Es ist auch wissentlich und liegt am Tage, dass Eure Kaiserliche Majestät die römische Krone ohne mein Zutun nicht hätte erlangen können,…“}})<ref>Franz Herre: ''Die Fugger in ihrer Zeit'', Augsburg, 2000</ref> The added demand of repayment of all debts eventually led to all discussions of trade restrictions and limits to monopolies being dropped. In addition to this Jakob Fugger was granted a concession to mine [[quicksilver]] and [[cinnabar]] in [[Almadén]]. The Fugger company was involved in the Spanish mining business up to the year 1645.<ref>Pölnitz 1999, p. 320,321</ref>


== Marriage, heritage and successors ==
== Marriage, heritage and successors ==
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Jakob Fugger died 30 December 1525. The inventory performed by his heirs revealed assets totaling 3.000.058 guilders and liabilities amounting to 867.797 guilders resulting in a surplus of about 2.1 million guilders. <ref>Richard Ehrenberg: ''Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Bde)'', Jena 1896</ref>.
Jakob Fugger died 30 December 1525. The inventory performed by his heirs revealed assets totaling 3.000.058 guilders and liabilities amounting to 867.797 guilders resulting in a surplus of about 2.1 million guilders. <ref>Richard Ehrenberg: ''Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Bde)'', Jena 1896</ref>.


Because he had no direct descendants, the company and its assets were bequeathed to his nephews [[Raymund_Fugger|Raymund]] and [[Anton_Fugger|Anton Fugger]] who also lead the company. He managed to double the family's fortune once more by 1546.
Because he had no direct descendants, the company and its assets were bequeathed to his nephews [[Raymund_Fugger|Raymund]] and [[Anton_Fugger|Anton Fugger]] who also lead the company. He managed to double the family's fortune once more by 1546.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 67,68</ref>


== Foundations and buildings of Jakob Fugger ==
== Foundations and buildings of Jakob Fugger ==
=== The Fugger chapel in the Annakirche ===
=== Fugger chapel in the Annakirche ===
[[file:St.-Anna-Kirche Augsburg - Hauptaltar.jpg|thumb|The Fugger chapel in the Annakirche, Augsburg, 2007]]
[[file:St.-Anna-Kirche Augsburg - Hauptaltar.jpg|thumb|The Fugger chapel in the Annakirche, Augsburg, 2007]]
Together with his brother Ulrich and on behalf of his deceased brother Georg, Jakob Fugger founded the Fugger chapel in the [[Carmelites|Carmelite]] monastery's [[St._Anne%27s_Church,_Augsburg|St. Anna]] church located in Augsburg. It also became the burial place of the three brothers. Construction began in 1509 and was finished in 1512. The chapel was modeled after Italian burial chapels with clear influences out of Venice and Rome, thereby becoming Germany's first renaissance construction. The interior was designed with the help of many notable German artists of the time, such as [[Albrecht Dürer]], [[Hans Burgkmair]], [[Jörg_Breu_the_Elder|Jörg Breu the Elder]] and Hans Daucher. The church later became protestant which is why only two other members of the Fugger family are buried there. The building is thought be built in preparation for Fugger's elevation into nobility and to distance himself from the local [[Patrician_(post-Roman_Europe)|Patricians]]. Furthermore it was a medium to preserve the name and memory of Fugger in the style of the Italian "Memoria" architecture.<ref>Benjamin Scheller: ''Memoria an der Zeitenwende. Die Stiftungen Jakob Fuggers des Reichen vor und während der Reformation (ca. 1505–1555)'', Berlin 2004</ref>
Together with his brother Ulrich and on behalf of his deceased brother Georg, Jakob Fugger founded the Fugger chapel in the [[Carmelites|Carmelite]] monastery's [[St._Anne%27s_Church,_Augsburg|St. Anna]] church located in Augsburg. It also became the burial place of the three brothers. Construction began in 1509 and was finished in 1512. The chapel was modeled after Italian burial chapels with clear influences out of Venice and Rome, thereby becoming Germany's first renaissance construction. The interior was designed with the help of many notable German artists of the time, such as [[Albrecht Dürer]], [[Hans Burgkmair]], [[Jörg_Breu_the_Elder|Jörg Breu the Elder]] and Hans Daucher. The church later became protestant which is why only two other members of the Fugger family are buried there. The building is thought be built in preparation for Fugger's elevation into nobility and to distance himself from the local [[Patrician_(post-Roman_Europe)|Patricians]]. Furthermore it was a medium to preserve the name and memory of Fugger in the style of the Italian "Memoria" architecture.<ref>Benjamin Scheller: ''Memoria an der Zeitenwende. Die Stiftungen Jakob Fuggers des Reichen vor und während der Reformation (ca. 1505–1555)'', Berlin 2004</ref>


=== The Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg ===
=== Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg ===
{{main|Fuggerhäuser}}
[[file:Fugger Damenhof-Augsburg neu.jpg|thumb|Damenhof in the Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg.]]
[[file:Fugger Damenhof-Augsburg neu.jpg|thumb|Damenhof in the Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg.]]
The Fugger family already owned two houses in Augsburg in prominent locations when Jakob Fugger built the [[Fuggerhäuser]] near the wine-market (now Maximilianstraße) from 1512 to 1515. Builder of this Residence was most likely Hans Hiebe. Inside the Fuggerhäuser, the Damenhof (Ladies courtyard) was modeled after the florencian style grand courtyards, thus becoming Germany's first secular renaissance building. The complex was expanded once more in 1523 to accommodate the receiving of illustrious guests. The Fuggerhäuser were the private residence and administrative center of Jakob Fugger and his wife Sybille Fugger-Arzt.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 143</ref>
The Fugger family already owned two houses in Augsburg in prominent locations when Jakob Fugger built the [[Fuggerhäuser]] near the wine-market (now Maximilianstraße) from 1512 to 1515. Builder of this Residence was most likely Hans Hiebe. Inside the Fuggerhäuser, the Damenhof (Ladies courtyard) was modeled after the florencian style grand courtyards, thus becoming Germany's first secular renaissance building. The complex was expanded once more in 1523 to accommodate the receiving of illustrious guests. The Fuggerhäuser were the private residence and administrative center of Jakob Fugger and his wife Sybille Fugger-Arzt.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 143-145</ref>


Later members of the Fugger family enlarged the complex several times. The complex was mostly destroyed during air raids on Augsburg in World War II and rebuilt in a simplified way in 1955. The courtyards and several other rooms however are still in their original state. The houses are still owned by the Fugger family, partly being used to house the private "Fürst Fugger Bank".
Later members of the Fugger family enlarged the complex several times. The complex was mostly destroyed during air raids on Augsburg in World War II and rebuilt in a simplified way in 1955. The courtyards and several other rooms however are still in their original state. The houses are still owned by the Fugger family, partly being used to house the private "Fürst Fugger Bank".
=== The St.-Moritz-Prädikatur-Stiftung ===
=== St.-Moritz-Prädikatur-Stiftung ===
In 1515 Jakob Fugger advocated for an improved sermon in the church of his parish St. Moritz. In 1517 Pope [[Leo_X|Leo X]] issued a [[Papal_bull|papal bull]] granting Fugger and his heirs the Patronage to the church and being able to choose the priest. The foundation still exists and the Fugger family still recommends the priest.
In 1515 Jakob Fugger advocated for an improved sermon in the church of his parish St. Moritz. In 1517 Pope [[Leo_X|Leo X]] issued a [[Papal_bull|papal bull]] granting Fugger and his heirs the Patronage to the church and being able to choose the priest. The foundation still exists and the Fugger family still recommends the priest.


=== The Fuggerei ===
=== Fuggerei ===
{{main|Fuggerei}}
[[file:Fugger Fuggerei Herrengasse.jpg|thumb|left|View into the Herrengasse of the Fuggerei.]]
[[file:Fugger Fuggerei Herrengasse.jpg|thumb|left|View into the Herrengasse of the Fuggerei.]]
Beginning in 1516 Jakob Fugger funded the construction of a settlement for craftsmen and day laborers in need. In 1523 52 houses of the estate were built. It was first named "[[Fuggerei]]" in 1531. Originally it was meant to house people who were in a difficult situation through no fault of their own until they could establish stable household on their own. The yearly rent was one symbolic guilder, though additionally requested were three daily prayers in the name of Fugger and his family.
Beginning in 1516 Jakob Fugger funded the construction of a settlement for craftsmen and day laborers in need. In 1523 52 houses of the estate were built. It was first named ''Fuggerei'' in 1531. Originally it was meant to house people who were in a difficult situation through no fault of their own until they could establish stable household on their own. The yearly rent was one symbolic guilder, though additionally requested were three daily prayers in the name of Fugger and his family.


The settlement was expanded several times, lastly in 1973. About 150 people live in the Fuggerei today, still paying an annual rent of the equivalent of one guilder (0.88 €). The Fuggerei is a major tourist attraction of Augsburg and since 2006 also houses a museum. The settlement is still administered by the descendants of the Fugger family and financed through a foundation (originally from 1521).
The settlement was expanded several times, lastly in 1973. About 150 people live in the Fuggerei today, still paying an annual rent of the equivalent of one guilder (0.88 €). The Fuggerei is a major tourist attraction of Augsburg and since 2006 also houses a museum. The settlement is still administered by the descendants of the Fugger family and financed through a foundation (originally from 1521).


=== Other foundations and buildings ===
=== Other foundations and buildings ===
Jakob Fugger made several contributions to churches and monasteries in Augsburg some of which still show the Fugger coat of arms. He funded the church St.Blas in Almagro, Spain and the reconstruction of the [[Santa_Maria_dell’Anima|Santa Maria dell’Anima]] in Rome.<ref>Norbert Lieb: ''Die Fugger und die Kunst. Band 1: Im Zeitalter der Spätgotik und der frühen Renaissance'', München 1952</ref> He also built a chapel in Oberkirchberg as well as building a palace in Weißenhorn.
Jakob Fugger made several contributions to churches and monasteries in Augsburg some of which still show the Fugger coat of arms. He funded the church St.Blas in Almagro, Spain and the reconstruction of the [[Santa_Maria_dell’Anima|Santa Maria dell’Anima]] in Rome.<ref>Norbert Lieb: ''Die Fugger und die Kunst. Band 1: Im Zeitalter der Spätgotik und der frühen Renaissance'', München 1952</ref> He also built a chapel in Oberkirchberg as well as building a palace in Weißenhorn.<ref>Häberlein 2006, p. 188</ref>





Revision as of 15:59, 1 March 2012

Jakob Fugger
Portrait of Jakob Fugger by Albrecht Dürer, 1518 (Staatsgalerie Altdeutsche Meister), Augsburg
Born(1459-03-06)March 6, 1459
DiedDecember 30, 1525(1525-12-30) (aged 66)
Resting placeSt. Anna's Church
SpouseSibylle Artzt
Parent(s)Jakob Fugger the Elder, Barbara Fugger-Bäsinger
RelativesAnton Fugger, nephew

Jakob Fugger of the Lily (German: Jakob Fugger von der Lilie) (6 March 1459 – 30 December 1525) also known as Jakob Fugger the Rich or sometimes Jakob II. Fugger was a major merchant, mining entrepreneur and banker of Europe between ca. 1495-1525. He was a descendant of the Fugger merchant family located in the Free Imperial City of Augsburg, where he was also born. Within a few decades he expanded the family firm to a business operating in all of Europe. He began his education with the age of 14 in Venice, which also remained his main residence until 1487. At the same time he was a cleric and held several prebendaries, even though he never lived in a monastery.

The foundation of the family's wealth was created mainly by the textile trade with Italy. The company grew rapidly after the brothers Ulrich, Georg and Jakob began banking transactions with the House of Habsburg as well as the Roman Curia, and at the same time began mining operations in Tyrol, and from 1493 on the extraction of silver and copper in the present Czech Republic and Slovakia. As of 1525 they also had the right to mine quicksilver and cinnabar in Almadén.

After 1487 Jakob Fugger was the de facto head of the Fugger business operations which soon had an almost monopolistic hold on the European copper market.[1] Copper from Upper Hungaria was transported through Antwerp to Lisbon, and from there shipped to India. Jakob Fugger also contributed to the first and only trade expedition to India that German merchants cooperated in, a Portuguese fleet to the Indian west coast (1505/06) as well as a failed Spanish trade expedition to the Maluku Islands.

With his support of the Habsburg dynasty as a banker he had a decisive influence on European politics at the time. He financed the rise of Maximilian I. and made considerable contributions to secure the election of the Spanish king Charles V to become Holy Roman Emperor. Jakob Fugger also funded the marriages which later resulted in House Habsburg gaining the kingdoms of Bohemia and Hungary.

Jakob Fugger secured his legacy and lasting fame through his foundations in Augsburg. A Chapel funded by him and built from 1509 to 1512 is Germany's first renaissance building and contains the tombs of the brothers Ulrich, Georg and Jakob. The Fuggerei which was founded by Jakob in 1521 is the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. The Damenhof, part of the Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg, is the first secular renaissance building in Germany and was built in 1515.

At his death on 30 December 1525 Jakob Fugger bequeathed to his nephew Anton Fugger company assets totaling 2,032,652 guilders.[2] He is considered to be one of the richest persons of all time,[3] and today he is well known as Jakob Fugger 'the Rich'. He is among the most well known Germans and arguably the most famous citizen of Augsburg. In 1967 a bust of him was placed in the Walhalla, a "hall of fame" near Regensburg that honors laudable and distinguished Germans.

Life

Background, education and early years in Venice

Coat of arms of the Fugger of the lily family, granted in 1473

Jakob Fugger was born as the tenth of eleven children to Jakob Fugger the Elder (1398-1469) and his wife Barbara (1419–1497), daughter of Münzmeister Franz Bäsinger. The Fugger family members, by now second generation burghers in Augsburg, had already established themselves as successful merchants in the city. Hans Fugger, grandfather of Jacob Fugger the Rich had taken up residence in Augsburg in 1367, became a burgher through marriage and acquired considerable wealth by trading textiles with Italy. A few years before his death his son Jakob Fugger the Elder was already one of the richest citizens of Augsburg.[4]

Jakobs older brothers Ulrich (1441–1510) und Georg (1453–1506) created the basis for the rise of the company in Europe. Around 1470 they founded manufactories in Venice and Nuremberg, then important centers of trade. Jakob Fugger's brothers Andreas and Hans both died young in Venice. His brother Markus was a cleric and from 1470 on a writer in a papal chancery in Rome where he died in 1478. His brother Peter died of an epidemic in Nuremberg in 1473.[5][6]

Loans given to Emperor Frederick III and supplies given to his entourage by Ulrich Fugger were the reason for the family being granted the lily coat of arms in 1473.[7] The "of the lily" (German: von der Lilie) naming after this coat of arms distinguishes this line of the Fugger family from the "of the doe" (German: vom Reh) branch.

Until 2009 historians assumed that Jakob Fugger, who was a minor order at the age of 12, had lived as a canon in a church located in Herrieden. A document from the Austrian state archive has now shown that Jakob Fugger was already representing his family business in Venice in 1473 at the age of 14.[8]. Other research showed that Jakob Fugger spent the years between 1473 and 1487 mostly at the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, the house of German merchants in Venice. Venice being one of the most important centers of trade at the time proved to be an ideal environment for Jakob Fugger's education in banking and the metal trade.[9] His long residence in Italy also helped bring the renaissance style to the German region, with him funding the construction of the first buildings of this style that originated in Italy. Legal and architectural structures of Venice also had a significant influence on the funding of the Fuggerei which was similar to the social housing of Venice.

Beginnings of the mining and metal trade

Jakob Fugger laid the foundation of his mining business in Salzburg. He provided loans to the independent silver mine owners in the Salzburg Slate Alps which had constant need for new capital. Instead of receiving the usual documents acknowledging debt he demanded "Kuxe", essentially becoming a shareholder in the mines, and through this forcing more and more mine operators in the area of Gastein and Schladming to sell their silver directly to the Fugger family instead of intermediary traders.[10]

Jakob Fugger was responsible for his families business in Augsburg, Tyrol, Venice and Rome. Around 1485 the family also founded manufactories in Innsbruck (since 1510 in Hall, since 1539 in Schwaz). Through a small loan he there first came into contact with Archduke Sigismund, a member of the Habsburg family. The archduke had as the sole owner of the Tyrol property rights handed out permissions for mining operations to private investors which in return had to pay a share of their profits to Sigismund. Despite this income he was in constant shortage of money owed to a lavish lifestyle, several illegitimate children and his extensive construction projects. A responsibility to pay the amount of 100.000 guilders of war reparations to Venice was eventually financed by Jakob Fugger. In 1488 the total debt already amounted to more than 150.000 guilders. Notable was the form of payment: Instead of paying the Fürst directly the Fugger family paid the money to his creditors as well as providing the wages for the royal court and craftsmen. In 1517 the Fugger family financed more than half of Tyrol's public budget. As a result they were at times entitled to all the silver and copper out of Tyrol.[11].

Relationship with Maximilian I

Emperor Maximilian I., Albrecht Dürer (1519)

The expansion of high-risk, albeit very lucrative business connections to Maximilian I was undoubtedly promoted by Jakob. In his view, the House of Habsburg was bound to be the dominant power and dynasty within the German region, and as such should receive his financial and political support. Jakob Fugger met the young Roman-German king for the first time in 1489 at a Frankfurt fair. At that time, his plans for the independent Duchy of Tyrol had been agreed upon with the king's chancellor, Johann Waldner. On 16 March 1490 Sigismund and the Tyrol Estates came together with King Maximilian also present. The archduke had to resign under the pressure from the estates, who accused him of mismanagement, and his possessions fell to the king. Maximilian then promised to repay all loans of its predecessor to Jakob Fugger.[12]

Thus the Fugger business became on of the most important financial backers of Maximilian, who since 1486 was co-regent of the Holy Roman Empire. After his father Frederick III died in 1493 he became the reigning emperor. Despite having constant financial difficulties due to an extravagant lifestyle and many failed political projects his reign saw the kingdoms of Spain, Bohemia and Hungary gained for the House of Habsburg, not by waging war but through advantageous marriage arrangements which were funded with the help of Jakob Fugger.[13]

On 15 July 1507 Maximilian I sold the County of Kirchberg, located at Ulm, the adjacent lordship Weißenhorn with the associated city, as well as the lordships Wullenstetten and Pfaffenhofen(Roth) from the Habsburg possessions in Further Austria to Jakob Fugger.[14] Maximilian I who crowned himself Holy Roman Emperor in 1508 received a payment of 50.000 guilders for these sales. More sales followed in 1508 where he sold manor Schmiechen and in 1514 where he sold the lordship Biberach to Fugger. Maximilian I elevated Jakob Fugger into nobility in 1511 and granted him the title of Imperial Count in 1514 so the former burgher could operate his business without interference from local nobility.[15][16] In the course of his life Jakob Fugger also became lord of more than 50 smaller villages.[17]

Criticism from reformer Martin Luther on the Fugger business methods and novelistic portrayal from early research have lead to the notion that Jakob Fugger exercised considerable power over Maximilian I the king and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, while more recent research shows that this was only partially true.[18] Close to the end of his life Maximilian was so heavily indebted to Jakob Fugger that he had no choice but to continue his support for the emperor to still be able reclaim his outstanding debits. When Maximilians grandson Charles V stood for election to become the next Emperor Jakob Fugger raised a sum of more than 500.000 guilders, a significant portion of his wealth and of the total amount raised in his support, to ensure the Prince-elector would succeed his grandfather. Thereby he helped prevent the election of Francis I of France which would have endangered his claims and investments gravely, although it also made him highly dependent on the House of Habsurg. Much later the Fugger family lost a large portion of their wealth following three Spanish state bankruptcies(1557, 1560, 1575) under the reign of Philip II of Spain.[19][20]

Mining and metal trade

Augsburg, Schedel’sche Weltchronik (1493)

Likely at the insistence of Jakob Fugger the company became one of the first open trading companies (German: "der compagnia palese des welschen Rechts")[21] in Europe in 1494. At the same time, it was renamed into "Ulrich Fugger of Augsburg and brothers" to show the equality of the three brothers involved in business issues, even though Tyrolean sources almost universally speak of the Jakob Fugger company and central contracts of the Hungarian trade were all signed by him. At this development the greatly increased influence of Jakob within the company can be observed. Since the late 1480s Jakob Fugger more and more dominated the company's policies, although the eldest brother Ulrich still formally led the company.[22]

The enormous growth potential in the mining and ore trade was very profitably harnessed by Jakob Fugger in the following years. As collateral for loans that he had given to the Habsburgs and the King of Hungary, he demanded mine revenues of Tyrol and the transfer of mining rights in Upper Hungary to him. Through this method he eventually established a dominant and almost monopolistic hold on the copper trade in Central Europe. With his business partner Hans Thurzó he founded the Hungarian trade in 1494.[23] Mines funded by Fugger were constructed in Neusohl, at the time part of the Hungarian Kingdom. The expansion continued with the construction of smelting plants in Neusohl, Arnoldstein in Carinthia, Hohenkirchen in Thuringia and Moschnitz.[24] The copper was distributed through manufactories in Breslau, Leipzig, Krakau and Ofen. For transportation to the ports of Danzig, Stettin und Lübeck on the Baltic Sea Fugger funded the construction of a new road across the Jablunkov Pass. From those ports the copper was shipped to the Russian region and additionally through Antwerp to Lisbon where it was an important Portuguese trade good destined for the export to India.[25][26] Part of the copper was also transported through Wiener Neustadt and the Adriatic ports Triest and Zengg to the copper market in Venice. At the time mines from both Tyrol and Hungary provided the bulk of the total European production in copper which provided an incredibly advantageous position in the European market, albeit not a total monopoly.[27]

The Vatican as a client

Swiss Guard, 2009

The Fugger family were the first German trading house in a direct business relationship with the Roman Curia.[28] Following the death of Pope Alexander VI in August 1503 Jakob Fugger intensified his contacts to the Vatican in Rome. For the new Pope Julius II Fugger financed the recruitment of the pontifical Swiss Guard in 1505/1506, which still exists today. Early dealings in Rome are attributed to the cleric Markus Fugger and have happened in 1473. In 1477 the Fugger business was responsible for transferring church revenues in Sweden to Rome. Between 1508 an 1524 the company leased the Roman mint, the Zecca. In this time there were 66 types of coins manufactured for four different popes. After this the Fugger family was only represented by one manufactory in Rome, mostly due to the "Sacco di Roma" and the less German friendly Medici Pope Clement VII.[29]

As one of the leading bankers in Europe and because of his close relationship to the Vatican Jakob Fugger was also engaged in the sale of indulgences.[30]

For the acquisition of two archdioceses in 1515 Fugger provided a loan of 48.000 guilders to Albrecht von Brandenburg, since 1512 archbishop of Magdeburg and since 1514 also archbishop of Mainz. To repay his debt Albrecht ceded his part of the indulgence granted by Pope Leo X for the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. Within the scope of the total economic scale of the Fugger business however the sale of indulgences was an insignificant banking operation.[31] Nevertheless it caused considerable potential for conflict due to its moral dubiousness, and its role in the advancement of the Reformation in Germany. The conduct of the Dominican Johann Tetzel who was heavily involved in the sale of indulgences was one of the causes that motivated Martin Luther to formulate his 95 Theses. 1520 Luther wrote in his letter "To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation" (German: An den christlichen Adel deutscher Nation) "Fugger and similar people really need to be kept in check" (German: Man müsste wirklich dem Fugger und dergleichen Gesellschaft einen Zaum ins Maul legen).[32]

Overseas trade

The commodity trade played a relatively small role compared to the two main branches of the Fugger business, banking and mining. It is only because of the associated exotic investments that Jakob Fuggers early trading expeditions take a prominent place in the history of the Fugger business.

After Vasco da Gama's discovery of the sea ​​route to India and the establishment of the Portuguese spice monopoly, Jakob Fugger took part in the spice trade and in 1503 opened a manufactory in Lisbon. He received permission to trade pepper, other spices, and luxury goods such as pearls and gemstones through Lisbon. Along with other merchant houses of Germany and Italy he contributed to a fleet of 22 Portuguese ships lead by Francisco de Almeida that sailed to India in the year 1505 and returned in 1506. Even though one third of the imported wares had to be ceded to the King of Portugal the operation still made significant profit.[33] Soon afterwards the King declared the spice trade a monopoly of the crown in order to secure his income and exclude foreign merchants from participating. However the Portuguese were still largely dependent on the copper delivered by Fugger which was an essential export good for the trade with India.

Unlike the Welser family Jakob Fuggers participation in the overseas trade was very cautious and conservative, and the only other operation of this kind he invested in was a failed trade expedition to the Maluku Islands led by the Spaniard Garcia de Loaisa.[34]

The great crisis of Jacob Fugger

Especially for mining projects in upper Hungary the Fugger company required enormous capital, which at the time it could not raise. Hence Cardinal Melchior von Meckau was the main sponsor of the Fugger business in 1496. The Prince-Bishop had secretly and unknown to his church chapter invested 150.000 guilders into the Fugger company in return for interest, thereby evading the official church ban on interest.[35] When he died in Rome in 1509 this investment was uncovered. The Pope, the bishopric Brixen and the family of Meckau all claiming the inheritance now demanded the immediate payback of these assets which would have resulted in insolvency for Jakob Fugger. It was this situation that prompted Emperor Maximilian I to step in and assist his banker. On the condition of assisting Pope Julius II in a war against the Republic of Venice the Habsburg monarch was recognized as being the rightful heir of Cardinal Melchior von Meckau. The inheritance could now be settled by amortizing outstanding debts. Fugger also had to deliver jewels as compensation to the Pope. However in return for his support Maximilian I demanded the continuous financial support of his ongoing military and political campaigns.[36]

Since the death of his brothers Georg in 1506 and Ulrich in 1510 Jakob Fugger was now running the Fugger business as the sole policy and decision maker. The company was renamed into "Jakob Fugger und Gebrüder Söhne" (Jakob Fugger and Brothers Sons). In the following years up until his death Jakob Fugger managed to raise the family fortune which amounted to about 200.000 guilders in 1511 to more than two million guilders.[37]

Election of Charles V in 1519

Portrait of Charles V, Bernard van Orley (1519 to 1520)

Emperor Maximilian died in January of 1519 and bequeathed to his grandson Carlos I the hereditary lands of House Habsburg with adjoining Burgundian lands as well as a disputed claim to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. To secure his essential investments into House Habsburg Jakob Fugger decided to support the election of the 19 year old claimant to the throne. In addition to Carlos I, the English King Henry VIII, the French King Francois I and Frederick III, Elector of Saxony announced their candidacy. Francois I had already secured the votes of the Archdiocese of Trier and the Electoral Palatinate as well as offering a sum of 300.000 guilders of election money. The Prince-electors consisted of the three archbishoprics of Mainz, Cologne and Trier in addition to the King of Bohemia, the Electoral Palatinate, the Margrave of Brandenburg and the Duke of Saxony.

This was a difficult situation for Carlos I who now relied on the financial capacity of Jakob Fugger to still be able to swerve the election in his favor. Fugger transferred the enormous sum of more than 850.000 guilders to the Prince-electors which ultimately resulted in the unanimous election of Carlos I as Holy Roman Emperor on 28 July 1519. Out of this 850.000 guilders Fugger himself funded around 550.000 while another merchant house of Augsburg, the Welser family, contributed about 150.000 and three Italian bankers providing the rest. What today would be seen as bribery was common practice in the election of the Emperor. Exceptional however was the immense amount of money involved in this particular case mainly due to the uncertainty in the outcome of the election.[38]

A few days later the Pope granted Carlos I, now Charles V, the right to name himself Elected Emperor. It was only in 1530 when Charles V was crowned Emperor by the Pope in Bologna. He was the last Emperor to receive a papal coronation.[39]

Charles V, since his election reigning over a realm where the sun never set, was now deeply indebted to Jakob Fugger. In 1521 the debts amounted to more than 600.000 guilders. The Emperor amortized 415.000 of this sum and in return granted the Fugger company the silver and copper mining operations of Tyrol.[40] During the Imperial Diet of 1523 in Nuremberg it was debated whether to restrict trade capital and the number of trade establishments companies were allowed to maintain. Jakob Fugger intervened and reminded the Emperor that "It is known that your imperial majesty could not have claimed the Roman crown without my help,..." (German: „Es ist auch wissentlich und liegt am Tage, dass Eure Kaiserliche Majestät die römische Krone ohne mein Zutun nicht hätte erlangen können,…“)[41] The added demand of repayment of all debts eventually led to all discussions of trade restrictions and limits to monopolies being dropped. In addition to this Jakob Fugger was granted a concession to mine quicksilver and cinnabar in Almadén. The Fugger company was involved in the Spanish mining business up to the year 1645.[42]

Marriage, heritage and successors

Portrait of Jakob Fugger and Sibylle Artzt, around 1500
Jakob Fugger and Sybille Artzt, Miniature in the Ehrenbuch of the Fugger family, Augsburg, Workshop Jörg Breu der Jüngere, 1545-1549

In 1498 the 40 year old Jakob Fugger married Sybille Arzt, the 18 year old daughter of an Augsburg burgher. This also made Jakob a great burgher finally giving the Fugger family a seat on the city council of Augsburg. Four years after the wedding, Jakob Fugger bought for his young wife 40.000 guilders worth of jewels from the treasure of Burgundy. Jakob wanted to demonstrate that he is after all equal to the Habsburgs, at least financially. However the jewels were left in a chest in the basement of his house for fear of theft and envy. The couple had no children. Seven weeks after her husband died Sybille Arzt married a business partner of Jakob and converted to the protestant faith.[43]

Jakob Fugger died 30 December 1525. The inventory performed by his heirs revealed assets totaling 3.000.058 guilders and liabilities amounting to 867.797 guilders resulting in a surplus of about 2.1 million guilders. [44].

Because he had no direct descendants, the company and its assets were bequeathed to his nephews Raymund and Anton Fugger who also lead the company. He managed to double the family's fortune once more by 1546.[45]

Foundations and buildings of Jakob Fugger

Fugger chapel in the Annakirche

The Fugger chapel in the Annakirche, Augsburg, 2007

Together with his brother Ulrich and on behalf of his deceased brother Georg, Jakob Fugger founded the Fugger chapel in the Carmelite monastery's St. Anna church located in Augsburg. It also became the burial place of the three brothers. Construction began in 1509 and was finished in 1512. The chapel was modeled after Italian burial chapels with clear influences out of Venice and Rome, thereby becoming Germany's first renaissance construction. The interior was designed with the help of many notable German artists of the time, such as Albrecht Dürer, Hans Burgkmair, Jörg Breu the Elder and Hans Daucher. The church later became protestant which is why only two other members of the Fugger family are buried there. The building is thought be built in preparation for Fugger's elevation into nobility and to distance himself from the local Patricians. Furthermore it was a medium to preserve the name and memory of Fugger in the style of the Italian "Memoria" architecture.[46]

Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg

Damenhof in the Fuggerhäuser in Augsburg.

The Fugger family already owned two houses in Augsburg in prominent locations when Jakob Fugger built the Fuggerhäuser near the wine-market (now Maximilianstraße) from 1512 to 1515. Builder of this Residence was most likely Hans Hiebe. Inside the Fuggerhäuser, the Damenhof (Ladies courtyard) was modeled after the florencian style grand courtyards, thus becoming Germany's first secular renaissance building. The complex was expanded once more in 1523 to accommodate the receiving of illustrious guests. The Fuggerhäuser were the private residence and administrative center of Jakob Fugger and his wife Sybille Fugger-Arzt.[47]

Later members of the Fugger family enlarged the complex several times. The complex was mostly destroyed during air raids on Augsburg in World War II and rebuilt in a simplified way in 1955. The courtyards and several other rooms however are still in their original state. The houses are still owned by the Fugger family, partly being used to house the private "Fürst Fugger Bank".

St.-Moritz-Prädikatur-Stiftung

In 1515 Jakob Fugger advocated for an improved sermon in the church of his parish St. Moritz. In 1517 Pope Leo X issued a papal bull granting Fugger and his heirs the Patronage to the church and being able to choose the priest. The foundation still exists and the Fugger family still recommends the priest.

Fuggerei

View into the Herrengasse of the Fuggerei.

Beginning in 1516 Jakob Fugger funded the construction of a settlement for craftsmen and day laborers in need. In 1523 52 houses of the estate were built. It was first named Fuggerei in 1531. Originally it was meant to house people who were in a difficult situation through no fault of their own until they could establish stable household on their own. The yearly rent was one symbolic guilder, though additionally requested were three daily prayers in the name of Fugger and his family.

The settlement was expanded several times, lastly in 1973. About 150 people live in the Fuggerei today, still paying an annual rent of the equivalent of one guilder (0.88 €). The Fuggerei is a major tourist attraction of Augsburg and since 2006 also houses a museum. The settlement is still administered by the descendants of the Fugger family and financed through a foundation (originally from 1521).

Other foundations and buildings

Jakob Fugger made several contributions to churches and monasteries in Augsburg some of which still show the Fugger coat of arms. He funded the church St.Blas in Almagro, Spain and the reconstruction of the Santa Maria dell’Anima in Rome.[48] He also built a chapel in Oberkirchberg as well as building a palace in Weißenhorn.[49]


Literature

Scientific literature

  • Bruno Bushart: Die Fuggerkapelle bei St. Anna in Augsburg, Munich 1994, ISBN 978-3422061156.
  • Richard Ehrenberg: Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Vol), Jena 1896.
  • Peter Geffcken: Jakob Fuggers frühe Jahre. In: Martin Kluger (Augsburg): Jakob Fugger (1459–1525). Sein Leben in Bildern, context medien und verlag, Augsburg 2009, ISBN 978-3-939645-14-6.
  • Peter Geffcken: Jakob Fugger der Reiche (1459–1525): "Königsmacher", Stratege und Organisator". in: DAMALS 7/2004.
  • Peter Geffcken: Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack". in: DAMALS 7/2004.
  • Mark Häberlein: Die Fugger. Geschichte einer Augsburger Familie (1367–1650), Kohlhammer, Stuttgart 2006, ISBN 978-3170184725.
  • Sarah Hadry: Die Fugger in Kirchberg und Weißenhorn. Herrschaftsverfassung und Leibeigenschaft, Konfessionalisierung und Residenzbildung, Wißner, Augsburg 2007, ISBN 978-3896396136.
  • Max Jansen: Die Anfänge der Fugger, Leipzig 1907, ISBN 978-3867416146.
  • Peter Kalus: Die Fugger in der Slowakei, Augsburg 1999, ISBN 978-3896391759.
  • Franz Karg: Eines Stadtherren Profil. Jakob der Reiche, der erste Fugger in Weißenhorn, in: Weißenhorner Profile 1160-2010. Beiträge und Untersuchungen zur Stadtgeschichte (Kataloge und Schriften des Weißenhorner Heimatmuseums 5), Weißenhorn 2010.
  • Hermann Kellenbenz: Die Fugger in Spanien und Portugal bis 1560. Ein Großunternehmen des 16. Jahrhunderts (2 Vol), Munich 1990, ISBN 978-3925355608.
  • Norbert Lieb: Die Fugger und die Kunst. Band 1: Im Zeitalter der Spätgotik und der frühen Renaissance, Munich 1952.
  • Götz von Pölnitz: Jakob Fugger, in: NDB, Neue Deutsche Biographie, 5. Bd. (1961), S. 710–716.
  • Götz von Pölnitz: Die Fugger. Mohr & Siebeck, 6. Aufl. Tübingen 1999, ISBN 3-16-147013-3.
  • Götz von Pölnitz: Jakob Fugger. Mohr & Siebeck, Tübingen 1949. Preview: [1].
  • Benjamin Scheller: Memoria an der Zeitenwende. Die Stiftungen Jakob Fuggers des Reichen vor und während der Reformation (ca. 1505–1555), Berlin 2004, ISBN 978-3050040950.
  • Aloys Schulte: Die Fugger in Rom 1495–1523 (2 Vol), Leipzig 1904, ISBN 978-5874163983.
  • Marion Tietz-Strödel: Die Fuggerei in Augsburg, Tübingen 1982, ISBN 978-3168445708.
  • Eike Eberhard Unger: Die Fugger in Hall i. T., Tübingen 1967, ASIN B0000BTV29.
  • Jacob Strieder: Jacob Fugger the Rich, Washington 1931, ISBN 978-1163187043.
  • Barbara Günther: Sybille Fugger, die Frau Jakobs des Reichen., 1985, ISBN 3-798-702-357
  • Franz Herre: Die Fugger in ihrer Zeit. Wißner-Verlag, 12. Auflage, Augsburg 2005, ISBN 3-89639-490-8.
  • Martin Kluger: Die Fugger in Augsburg. Kaufherrn, Stifter und Mäzene, context verlag, Augsburg 2010, ISBN 978-3-939645-31-3.
  • Martin Kluger: Die Fugger: Die deutschen Medici in und um Augsburg, context verlag, Augsburg 2009, ISBN 978-3-939645-13-9.
  • Martin Kluger: "Jakob Fugger (1459–1525). Sein Leben in Bildern", context medien und verlag, Augsburg 2009, ISBN 978-3-939645-14-6
  • Martin Kluger: Die Fuggerei. Ein Führer durch die älteste Sozialsiedlung der Welt. context-verlag, Augsburg 2009, ISBN 978-3-939645-16-0
  • Martin Kluger: Fugger – Italien. Geschäfte, Hochzeiten, Wissen und Kunst. Geschichte einer fruchtbaren Beziehung, context medien und verlag, Augsburg 2010, ISBN 978-3-939645-27-6.

In fiction

  • Günter Ogger: Kauf dir einen Kaiser. Die Geschichte der Fugger. Droemer Knaur, 17. Auflage, Munich 1995, ISBN 3-426-03613-4.
  • Peter Dempf: Das Amulett der Fuggerin BLT, Bergisch-Gladbach 2006, ISBN 978-3-404-92273-4.
  • Rebecca Abe: Im Labyrinth der Fugger Gmeiner 2011, ISBN 978-3-8392-1144-1.

Family tree

References

  1. ^ Peter Geffcken: Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack". In: DAMALS 7/2004
  2. ^ "Anton Fugger". Encyclopaedia Britannica. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ "Jakob Fugger". The Wall Street Journal.
  4. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 20-22
  5. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 44-46
  6. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 34,35
  7. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 26
  8. ^ Geffcken 2009, p. 15
  9. ^ Pölnitz 2009, p. 32,33
  10. ^ Strieder 1931, p. 110-112
  11. ^ Eike Eberhard Unger: Die Fugger in Hall i.T., Tübingen 1967
  12. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 60
  13. ^ Maximilian I. Excerpted from Encyclopædia Britannica.
  14. ^ Sarah Hadry: Die Fugger in Kirchberg und Weißenhorn. Herrschaftsverfassung und Leibeigenschaft, Konfessionalisierung und Residenzbildung, Augsburg 2007
  15. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 188
  16. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 112
  17. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 188
  18. ^ Mark Häberlein: Die Fugger. Geschichte einer Augsburger Familie (1367–1650), Stuttgart 2006
  19. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 101
  20. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 255
  21. ^ Jahresbericht für Deutsche Geschichte
  22. ^ Peter Geffcken: Jakob Fugger der Reiche (1459–1525): "Königsmacher", Stratege und Organisator". In: DAMALS 7/2004
  23. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 76 et seq.
  24. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 46
  25. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 291
  26. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 80
  27. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 46-48
  28. ^ Fugger – Geschichte einer Familie: "Die Handelsherren mit dem Dreizack". In: DAMALS 7/2004
  29. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 50
  30. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 72
  31. ^ Aloys Schulte: Die Fugger in Rom 1495–1523, 2 Vol, Leipzig 1904
  32. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 171
  33. ^ Franz Hümmerich: Die erste deutsche Handelsfahrt nach Indien 1922
  34. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 66
  35. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 79 et seq.
  36. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 61-63.
  37. ^ Richard Ehrenberg: Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Bde), Jena 1896
  38. ^ Strieder 1931, p. 151
  39. ^ Maltby, William, The Reign of Charles V,St. Martin's Press, 2002
  40. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 66
  41. ^ Franz Herre: Die Fugger in ihrer Zeit, Augsburg, 2000
  42. ^ Pölnitz 1999, p. 320,321
  43. ^ Barbara Günther: Sybille Fugger, die Frau Jakobs des Reichen., 1985
  44. ^ Richard Ehrenberg: Das Zeitalter der Fugger, Geldkapital und Creditverkehr im 16. Jahrhundert (2 Bde), Jena 1896
  45. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 67,68
  46. ^ Benjamin Scheller: Memoria an der Zeitenwende. Die Stiftungen Jakob Fuggers des Reichen vor und während der Reformation (ca. 1505–1555), Berlin 2004
  47. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 143-145
  48. ^ Norbert Lieb: Die Fugger und die Kunst. Band 1: Im Zeitalter der Spätgotik und der frühen Renaissance, München 1952
  49. ^ Häberlein 2006, p. 188



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