Jakob Fugger the Rich

Portrait of Jakob Fugger by Durer

Jakob Fugger (1459-1525), known as Jakob Fugger 'the Rich', was one of the richest people that ever lived. He made his fortune in banking, trading, and occasionally contraband, in particular saffron, pepper and other spices. He also had a lucrative sideline in the sale of indulgences with his business partners in the Vatican, which gave impetus to Martin Luther's Reformation in Germany.

German postage stamp depicting Jakob Fugger

Portrait of a Young Man (in a fur)
Attributed to several artists including Giorgione.
Sitter believed to be Anton Fugger, nephew of Jakob Fugger