Paulus Fürst
Paulus Fürst, often referred to as Paul Fürst, was a German publisher, bookseller, and art dealer who lived from 1608 to 1666. He earned his reputation as one of the most successful broadsheet publishers in Germany.
Fürst was born in Nuremberg, Germany to Hans Fürst and Maria Wehrlein. His father was a barchent weaver and merchant, which is a rough cloth that was used as a linen replacement. In 1637, at 29 years of age, Fürst married Helena Susanna Schnelling. After his marriage, he inherited his wife’s grandfather’s business (Balthasar Caymox), who was an art dealer and publisher. After taking over the operations, he changed the company name to that of his own. The couple had four children.
With the advent of the printing press, the literary public was eager to get their hands on literature and wanted a range of products to choose from. In addition to literature, consumers also wanted art to accompany their reading. Frontispieces, etchings, and prints became popular additions to the printed word. Literature without accompanying imagery did not sell as well. Fürst capitalized on the public’s desire for imagery, and his company published copper engravings, pamphlets, and art pieces and in addition to books with collections of art. His company was highly successful.
In 1666, Paulus Fürst committed suicide. He was 58 years old. After his death, his wife continued his publishing business, before passing it on to her son, Wolfgang Gottlieb Fürst, and son-in-law, Rudolf Johann Helmer.
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