The Tucher Family
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The Tucher von Simmelsdorf Family
The Tucher family is a noble patrician family from Nürnberg dating back to the year 1309. Like the Fugger Family from Augsburg, the family company run trading branches across Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries.
The family played an import part in the economical and cultural development as well as in local politics. Tucher's were admitted to the governing council of the free imperial city since 1340, a hereditary privilege, and listed in the Dance Statute. After the acquisition of Simmelsdorf Castle in 1598, the family was named Tucher von Simmelsdorf and ennobled in 1697. Since 1815, the family members are Bavarian barons.
The Family’s Trading History:
The first known member is Berthold Tucher, who became a citizen of Nuremberg in 1309. The Tuchers gained considerable importance in the economic golden age of Nuremberg and spread to Lyon, Antwerp, Geneva and Venice. Although the family founded its own commercial branches relatively late in comparison to other patrician families, the family became one of the richest merchant families due to their trade connections throughout Europe. A branch even moved to Antwerp in the late 15th century, for six generations, providing three mayors to the city. The family was also engaged in mining in Tyrol and Austria, like the Fuggers. In the 17th century, the Tuchers, along with the Imhoff family, operated the last big trading companies of the Nuremberg patriciate; both families especially competed in the European saffron trade.
Other Family Activities:
The Tuchers were among the most important patrons of the golden age of Nuremberg art around 1500. Their main residence was the Tucherschloss (Tucher castle) at Nuremberg, which is today housing a museum on the history of the Tuchers and the Nuremberg trading businesses of the Renaissance age.
Like most ruling patricians of German free imperial cities, the Nuremberg Tuchers were patrons of various artists. Three members of the family were portrayed by Albrecht Dürer, among them Elsbeth Tucher (1473–1517), whose image was depicted on the older 20 Deutsche Mark banknote.
During the 19th and 20th centuries the family was also invested into the Tucher Bräu.
Like most ruling patricians of German free imperial cities, the Nuremberg Tuchers were patrons of various artists. Three members of the family were portrayed by Albrecht Dürer, among them Elsbeth Tucher (1473–1517), whose image was depicted on the older 20 Deutsche Mark banknote.
During the 19th and 20th centuries the family was also invested into the Tucher Bräu.