
Tucher von Simmelsdorf

Tucher () is a noble patrician family from Nürnberg. Like the Fugger and Welser families from Augsburg, their company run trading branches across Europe between the 15th and 17th centuries, although on a somewhat smaller scale. The Protestant family played an import part in the economical and cultural development as well as in local politics. They were admitted to the governing council of the free imperial city since 1340, a hereditary privilege. After the acquisiton of Simmelsdorf Castle in 1598, the family was named "Tucher von Simmelsdorf" and ennobled in 1697. In 1815, they became Bavarian barons.
German Branch.
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 they founded their own commercial branches relatively late in comparison to other patrician families, they became one of the richest merchant families in the city due to their trade connections throughout Europe. They were also engaged in mining in Tyrol, 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.
They 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, still today owned by the family and housing a museum on the history of the Tuchers and the Nuremberg trading businesses of the Renaissance age. The family also still owns the castles of Simmelsdorf, Behringersdorf and Schoppershof.
Three members of the family were portrayed by Albrecht Dürer, among them Elsbeth Tucher (1473-1517), whose image was depicetd on the older 20 Deutsche Mark banknote.
A branch moved to Antwerp in the late 15th century, for six generations, providing three mayors to the city, and remaining catholic. Like most ruling patricians of German free imperial cities, the Nuremberg Tuchers became Lutheran protestants with the reformation. During the 19th and 20th centuries the family continued to brew a locally famed beer, Tucher Bräu.
Their heraldic crest shows a black moor in gold, with the motto: "Sincere et Constanter" (sincere and steadfast).
Images.
Of all trading families of Nuremberg, the Tucher family was probably among the most important patrons for works of art of the Golden Age.
Family Tree.
Anton I Tucher von Simmelsdorf, (1412–1476), 
Flemish Branch.
The Flemish branch descendts from the branch of Andreas Tucher, his son Berthold Tucher (1454-1519) died in Eisleben and had multiple children whom left Nurnberg and spread in Europe. His eldest son Lazarus moved to Antwerp. His descendants belonged to the most powerful people of Antwerp and became mayors. His descendants married into important Flemish families, and resided in Tanghof Castle, Kontich.