A 16th-century fashion writer who documented his elaborate and extravagant outfits in detailed illustrations, providing a unique insight into Renaissance fashion and culture.
Matthäus Schwarz, a 16th-century German accountant, is renowned for compiling the world's first fashion book, "Klaidungsbüchlein" or "Trachtenbuch", a meticulous cataloguing of his clothing worn between 1520 and 1560. This pioneering work showcases his passion for fashion, accounting, and documentation, making him a fascinating figure in the history of fashion and accounting.
Schwarz was born on February 19, 1497, in Augsburg, Germany, to Ulrich Schwarz, a wine merchant. His family, originally carpenters from Rettenbergen in Bavaria, had moved to Augsburg in the 15th century. His grandfather, also Ulrich Schwarz, served as mayor of Augsburg from 1469 to 1477 but fell from power and was executed in 1478. Schwarz received his education in Augsburg and Heidenheim, but his Latin skills were not sufficient to follow in his brother's footsteps as a monk. Instead, he worked for his father and later became a merchant's apprentice in Milan and Venice, where he acquired expertise in accounting techniques.
Schwarz's career began in 1516 when he started working for the wealthy Augsburg merchant Jakob Fugger, also known as Fugger of the Lily or Fugger the Rich. During this period, he wrote a manuscript on accounting, "Dreierlay Buchhaltung" (Threefold Bookkeeping), in 1518. Although the work remained unpublished, Schwarz rewrote it in 1550, and it was eventually published in the early 20th century. Fugger, a prominent banker and merchant, bequeathed assets worth over 2 million guilders to his nephew, Anton Fugger, for whom Schwarz also worked.
Schwarz's most notable achievement is his "Klaidungsbüchlein" or "Trachtenbuch", a unique and comprehensive catalog of his clothing worn between 1520 and 1560. This groundbreaking work showcases his fascination with clothing, as he spent a significant portion of his income on clothes and meticulously documented his appearance and outfits. The book comprises over 36 plates, each depicting Schwarz in various attire, including everyday wear, formal attire, and even exotic costumes.
Matthäus Schwarz's "Book of Clothes" is not only a testament to his fastidious nature but also a reflection of his dual passions: fashion and accounting. His work has been described as the world's first fashion book, making him a pioneer in the field of fashion documentation. Schwarz's legacy extends beyond his book, as he has inspired generations of fashion enthusiasts, historians, and accountants alike.
Matthäus Schwarz's extraordinary life, marked by his unique blend of accounting and fashion, continues to captivate and inspire us today.
Born in 1471
A Renaissance master of intricate woodcuts and engravings, known for precise and detailed depictions of nature and human form, influencing art and mathematics for centuries.
