Women Printers from Basel

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(Research by Angel Lockett and Kathleen Comerford; writing by Angel Lockett)

N.B. General biographical information on the women included here can be found at one or more of the following publications or knowledge bases, which were used in collecting data for these vignettes.

• books printed by these women

• CERL (Consortium of European Research Libraries Thesaurus): (eneral information; search page

• Bibliotheque nationale de France notices d’autorité

• Library of Congress Authorities

• Online Deutsche Biographie (incorporating printed German biographical dictionaries and born-digital content\

• Historisches Lexokon der Schweiz HLS (available in French, German, Italian, and Romansch)

• ​Wikipedia

• Library catalogs

  
  

15th-16th Centuries

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Bebel, Margaretha Thorer (dates unknown). Johann Bebel (xxxx-1550) Johann worked in Basel from 1523 to 1550. In 1524, Johann worked with Thomas Wolff on a writing by Andreas Bodenstein von Carlstadt that led to his brief imprisonment. In 1532, Johann worked with his son-in-law Michael Isengrin (1500-March 3, 1557) on an edition of Proclus. Between 1534-1535, Johann printed the Hebrew Bible with Isengrin and Heinrich Petri. Johann also worked with Andreas Cratander, Johann Honter, and Johann I Herwagen. Johann produced approximately 60 prints between 1523 and 1536, as well as at least 100 prints over his lifetime. Elisabeth Isengrin (the widow of Michael Isengrin) succeeded them. Elisabeth (born Elisabeth Linder) (1503-October 26, 1578) took over the printing company after Michael’s death, working from 1557 until 1561. Elisabeth worked with Jacob Kundig in 1560. After that, Elisabeth’s son-in-law, Thomas Guarin, took over the company. Thomas Guarin (1529-May 6, 1592) was married to Elisabeth Isengrien (1539-1606).

Brylinger, Anna Brunn (dates unknown). Anna von Brunn was the widow of the printer Thomas Wolff. Anna and Nikolaus (Nicolaus) Brylinger (c. 1515-1565) married between 1535-1536. Nikolaus Brylinger became a citizen of Basel on March 25, 1536 and worked there. In 1536, Nikolaus began printing with Bartholomaus Westheimer. In 1538, he began acting alone but sometimes worked with Bartholomaus Calybaeus, Bartholomaus Westheimer (1536-1537), Johannes Oporin, and Sebastian Franck. Brylinger’s office was located on the Heuberg in Basel. He was briefly imprisoned in 1557 for printing Basilius Monner’s Bedencken vonn dem Krieg (seen as a politically dangerous book because it questioned military policy). His daughter Christina married the printer Hieronymus Gemusaeus (1542-1610). His stepdaughter, Sara Wolff (the daughter of Anna von Brunn and Thomas Wolff), married the printer Bartholomaus Stahelin. After Nicolaus’s death in 1565, his heirs continued the printing house from 1565 until 1581, operating under the following names: “Haeredes Nicolai Brylingeri,” “Brylingeriana Officina,” and “Typis Brylingerianis.” During this period, Marx Russinger (1567) and Leonhard Ostein (1578, 1583, and 1586) worked with the heirs, producing nearly 70 prints. Leonhard Ostein eventually took over the printing house.

Cratander, Cristina Lienhardt (dates unknown). Andreas Cratander (1486-before August 1540). Andreas was born in Strasbourg and died in Basel. His birth name was Andreas Hartmann. His first wife was Irmel, the second was Christina, and the third was Vronecka Renner. Andreas married Christina, the daughter of the Strasbourg cooper Bartholomaus Lienhardt. They had a son named Polykarp, and probably also a son named Johannes. Their daughter Sybilla married the humanist Hieronymus Gemusaeus (1505-1543). Their daughter Blandina (died around 1567) first married Gabriel Ringseisen and then married Johannes Wetzel, both printers. Their grandchildren were Polycarp (son of Sybilla or Blandina), and Hieronymus Gemusaeus (1542-1610), who became a printer in Basel. In 1502, he enrolled at the University of Heidelberg and by 1503, he earned the degree of Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Arts). In 1513, he became a typesetter with Matthias Schurer in Strasbourg. In 1515, he became a proofreader with Adam Petri in Basel. Andreas became a citizen in Basel on March 2, 1519. Andreas worked in Basel from 1518 until 1540. Worked with Servais Kruffter in 1518 and Johann Bebel after 1527. By 1536, Andreas had published around 200 prints (Latin, Greek, and German). In 1536, Andreas sold his office to the company, Winter-Oporin-Platter-Lasius and worked as a bookkeeper with his son, Polykarp. The heirs of the company published work as late as 1563.

Cristina Leinhardt Cratander, heirs of. Operated under the name “Cratander’s Erben.” Operated in 1540-1556; 1565-1585. Probable Cratander heirs: Hieronymus Gemusaeus (1505-1544), Cratander’s son-in-law; also, another son-in-law, Gabriel Ringseisen (ca. 1520-1564); Polycarp, the son of Cratander; also, towards the end of activity – the sons of Gemusaeus, named Polycarp (1538-1572) and Hieronymus (1542-1610).

Curio, Anna Meyer zum Hirzen (b. 1473-1521, xxxx). Anna was the daughter of Burgermeister Jacob Meyer zum Hirzen and Anna von Dachsfeld. She was the sister of Johann Rudolf Meyer zum Hirzen. She was married to Valentin Curio (Schaffner) (circa 1500-1532), who was born in Hagenau, Département Bas-Rhin, Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, France and died in Basel, Switzerland. In 1519, he became a citizen of Basel and studied there. Between 1521-1532, he was a printer and publisher in Basel. He was initially an employee of Andreas Cratander. He printed Latin and Greek texts and used book decoration based on Hans Holbein the Younger’s designs. He was succeeded by Johannes Walder.

Curio, Anna Petri (c. 1530-1564). Anna was the daughter of Heinrich Henric-Petri (1508-1579) and Dorothea Hutschin (1509-1564). She was the sister of Adam Henric Petri and Sebastian Henric Petri. Hieronymus Curio (xxxx-1564) was born between 1505 and 1535. He was the son of Anna Meyer zum Hirzen and Valentin Curio, who was also a printer. Hieronymus first worked with his stepfather Johannes Walder. In 1542, he began to print independently in 1542. In 1545, he married Anna Petri. His printing house was eventually taken over by his brother-in-law, Sebastian Henric Petri.

Episcopius, Elisabeth Peyer (1531-1576). Nikolaus II Episcopius (c. 1531-December 29, 1565). Nikolaus was the son of Nikolaus I (1501-1564) and Justyna Froben. Nikolaus’s brother was Eusebius Episcopius. His sisters were Judith Bischoff and Modesta Bischoff. He studied in Paris and Antwerp, returning to Basel in 1551. He married Elisabeth between 1551 and 1552. He worked with his father Nikolaus the Elder until 1552. He also worked with his uncle Hieronymus Froben in 1552. He established his own company in 1553 and worked in partnership with his brother Eusebius. Editions were published under his name until 1566. He was active in Basel from 1553 to 1565. He also worked with Matthias Harscher and Johannes Oporinus. He died of the plague on December 29, 1565. He was succeeded by his brother Eusebius Episcopius.

Frellon, Pernette de Harsy. Jean II Frellon (1517-1570). Jean was the son or nephew of Jean I, a bookseller in Paris. Before 1538, Jean apprenticed with Conrad Resch in Basel. His brother was Francois (d. 1546). He worked with Francois in Lyon as early as 1537. He had a son named Paul. After having children in his first marriage, he married Pernette de Harsy, the daughter of Denys de Harsy in 1562. They had a daughter together named Michelette (Frellon) Bonet (1562-July 13, 1613). He worked primarily with Antoine Vincent. He also worked with Jean Barbou “the Norman,” the brothers Melchior and Gaspar Trechsel, Guillaume Rouille, Balthazar Arnoullet, and Michel Du Bois. His brothers-in-law, Antoine and Denys de Harsy were also printers. Jean sold his company to Michel du Bois and worked for him. Jean was also a Calvinist. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Antoine de Harsy.

Froben, Anna Lachner (14xx-1543). Anna was the daughter of Wolfgang Lachner (1465-January 27, 1517) and Ursula von Thus Gasser (1467-1519). Hieronymus I Froben (1501-1563) was the eldest son of Johann Froben and Gertrud Lachner. His sister was Justyna and his younger brother was Johann Erasmus. He enrolled at the University of Basel in 1515 and received his Magister artium degree in 1520. He apprenticed under his father Johann Froben. He took over leadership of Officina Frobeniana after his father’s death and initially worked with his stepfather, Johann Herwagen. His long-time partnership was with his brother-in-law (his sister Justina Froben’s husband), Nikolaus I Episcopius AKA Nikolaus I Bischoff. He also worked with Desiderius Erasmus. Hieronymus married Anna Lachner (the sister of his stepmother Gertrud) on January 7, 1524. They had five children together: daughters Esther (b. 1529) and Anna (b. 1541), and sons Hieronymus (b. 1532), Ambrosius (b. 1537), and Aurelius Eramus (b. 1539). He also married Barbara Brand (1521-1591) after Anna’s death in 1544. His printing house was succeeded by Nicolaus I Episcopius and his sons, Ambrosius (1537-1602) and Aurelius (1539-1609). Ambrosius married Salomea Rudin and Aurelius married Chrischona Burckhardt.

Froben, Gertrud Lachner (1488-April 8, 1560). Gertrud was the daughter of Wolfgang Lachner (1465-January 27, 1517) and Ursula von Thus Gasser (1467-1519), and the sister of Anna Lachner Froben. She initially married Johann Froben (1460-October 26, 1527) in 1500. They had six children together: Hieronymus Froben (1501-1563), Dietzel Frobel (1502-Deceased), Frobel (1504-Deceased?), Justina Frobenius (1512-1564), Johannes Erasmus Frobenius (1515-1549), and Ursula Frobenius (1524-1600). Johann Erasmus Froben was the godson of Erasmus of Rotterdam. After Johann Froben’s death, Gertrud married to Johann I Herwagen (1497-1558) in 1528. In 1538, Herwagen had an affair with his stepson Johann Erasmus’s wife, Katherina Weckart.

Froben, Justyna (1512-1564). Justyna was the daughter of Johannes Froben, the printer. Nikolaus I Episcopius (Niklaus Bischoff) (Nicolaus the Elder) (1501-1564) was born in Rittershofen, Weisenburg, Alsace and died in Basel, Switzerland on March 7, 1564. In 1516, he was documented as a table companion to Johannes Froben. In 1518, he was enrolled at the University of Basel. By 1519, he obtained Basel citizenship and was a proofreader for Johannes Froben. He was friends with Johannes’s son Hieronymus and married his daughter, Justina, in 1529. He joined the community of heirs with Johannes Herwagen and Hieronymus, operating under the name of “Officina Frobeniana.” After Herwagen’s departure from the company, he primarily worked with Hieronymus Froben but published a print with Matthias Harscher in 1557 and briefly worked with Johannes Oporin. He is the father of Nicolaus Bischoff (Nicolaus the Younger) (b. 1531, Judith (Bischoff) Iselin (b. 1532), Modesta Bischoff (b. 1537) and Eusebius Bischoff (1540-1599). He died of consumption (tuberculosis) on March 7, 1564. The Officina Frobeniana was continued by Ambrosius I and Aurelius I Erasmus Froben in 1563 but taken over by his sons Nicolaus the Younger and Eusebius in 1564.

Henricpetri, Elisabeth Loffel (1563-d.). Elisabeth was the daughter of Alexander Loffel (xxxx-1591), who was a miller and councilor in Basel, and Catharina Wasserhun. She was the sister of Maria Loffel. She was the wife of Sebastian Henricpetri (1546-1627). He was the son of Heinrich Henric-Petri and Dorothee Huetschy. He was the brother of Anna Petri and Adam Henric Petri. In 1572, he printed under his own name but took over his father’s office after his death. Sebastian also married Maria Irmi (d. 1605). He had six stepchildren from her previous marriage with Hieronymus Oberried (1518-1572): Hans Heinrich Oberried, Salome Oberried (girl), Franz Oberried, Hans Rudolf Oberrried, Jakob Oberried, and Hans Jacob Oberried. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Hieronymus Curio.

Herwagen, Elisabeth Holzach (1535-August 20, 1565). Elisabeth was the daughter of Dr. Eucharius Konrad Holzach (1486-November 27,1558) and Veronika Riespach (1505-May 26, 1546). She was the sister of Johann Cosmas Holzach (1525-1595), Veronika Holzach (1526-), Christoph Holzach (1530-), Justina Holzach (1532-1569), Oswald Holzach (1537-), and Hieronimus Holzach (1538-1582). She married Johann II Herwagen (c. 1530-1564) on June

4,1554. Herwagen and Elisabeth had six children: Johannes (1555-1565), Gertrud (1556-1634), Veronica (1558-1565), Justina (1561-1565), Elisabeth (1563-1565), and Hieronymus (1564-1634, printer who married Maria Loeffel). He succeeded his father, Johann I Herwagen and operated under the name Joannes Hervagii Basler Buchdruker. He worked with his brother-in-law Bernhard Brand from 1557-1558 and Johann Oporin starting in 1560. Elisabeth later married Johann Oporin on March 27, 1565. They had no children together. He was succeeded by Oporin in 1565.

Herwagen, Gertrud Lachner Froben (1488-April 8, 1560). Gertrud was the eldest daughter/child of Wolfgang Lachner (1465-January 27, 1517) and Ursula von Thus Gasser (1467-1519); married ca.1488. Gertrud’s siblings are: Margaretha Lachner (Deceased), Elisabeth Lachner (1498-Deceased), Anna Lachner (1499-1543), Ludwig Lachner (1500-1543), Lachner (1512-Deceased), Christiana Lachner (Deceased), and Ottilie Lachner (Deceased). She married Johann I Herwagen in 1528 (1497-1558) following Johann Froben’s death. Herwagen became a citizen of Basel in 1528. He first printed with his stepson Hieronymus Froben and his brother-in-law Nicolaus Episcopius. Gertrude and Herwagen had three children: Casper, who became a university professor, Rachel (1529-1568), who married the printer Bernhard Brand (1523-1594), and Johann (Hans) Herwagen the Younger (c. 1530-1564) who succeeded his father in the printing house. He was expelled from the city after having an affair with his other stepson, Johann Eramus Froben’s wife, Katherina Weckart in 1542. He was pardoned in 1545. Herwagen the Younger succeeded his father and married Elisabeth Holzach. Herwagen the Younger worked with his father (Johann I Herwagen), Johann Oporin, and his brother-in-law Bernhard Brand. After Herwagen the Younger’s early death, Holzach married Johann Oporin. Oporin temporarily took over the printing office. By 1568, Eusebius Episcopius bought the printing house. (Also see Froben, Gertrud Lachner).

Isengrin, Elisabeth Linder (1503-1578). Elisabeth was the daughter of Johann/Hans Linder (1481-1519) and Anna Thannwald (1480-). She is the sister of Lucas Linder (1505-1563). She married Michael Isengruen/Isengrin (1500-March 3, 1557) in 1527. They had seven children together: Catharina Isengruen (1527-1572), Sara Isengruen (1529-1597), Ursula Isengruen (1530-), Magdalena Isengruen (1531-), Elisabeth Isengruen (1539-1606), Sebastian Isengruen (1541-), and Michael Isengruen (1544-). He printed with his father-in-law Johann Bebel from 1531. He started working independently in 1532. He also worked with Andreas Cratander and Heinrich Petri. Elisabeth took over the printing company after Michael’s death, working from 1557 until 1561. Elisabeth worked with Jacob Kundig in 1560. After that, Elisabeth’s son-in-law, Thomas Guarin, took over the company. Thomas Guarin (1529-May 6, 1592) was married to Elisabeth Isengrien (1539-1606).

Kessler, Magdalene Richel (unknown dates). Magdalene was the daughter of Bernhard Richel and Anna Ennelin. Nikolaus Kessler (1445-1519). He earned his Baccalaureus atrium at the University of Basel in 1471. He apprenticed under his father-in-law Bernhard Richel starting in 1475. He became a citizen of Basel on December 23, 1480. First Anna Ennelin, then Kessler succeeded Bernhard Richel upon his death in 1482. Magdalene and Kessler had one child together, Bernhardt, bookkeeper in Basel.

Konig, Valeria Iselin (1576-1658). Valeria’s first marriage was to Matthias Wohnlich (1573-1623) in 1595. Ludwig I Konig (1572-April 6, 1641). Ludwig’s first marriage was to Salome Widmer (1570-1627) in 1592. Valeria and Ludwig married in 1627. They had two sons, Emanuel I (1603-1648), Ludwig II (d. 1634). He attained citizenship in Basel in 1593. He worked in Basel from 159-1641. He worked with Johannes Schroter, Konrad von Waldkirch, and Johann Jakob Genath the Elder. He was succeeded by Emanuel I and his grandson, Johann Konig (1626-1676).

Oporin, Faustina Amerbach (1530-1602). Faustina was the daughter of Bonifacius Amerbach (1495-1562). Her brother was Basilius Amerbach (1533-1591). Her first marriage was to Johann Ulrich Iselin. Her later marriage was to Johann II Herwagen. Johann Oporin (1507-1568). He was a proofreader for Johannes Froben and apprenticed under Bonifacius Amerbach. His first marriage was to Margaretha in 1527. His second marriage was to Maria Nachpur in 1536. His third marriage was to Elisabeth Holzach Herwagen in 1565. He worked with Robert Winter in 1539, Eusebius Episcopius in 1566, Johann II Herwagen in 1560-61, and heirs of Johann II Herwagen in 1564. He succeeded by Eusebius Episcopius and Johann II Herwagen.

Ortenberg, Barbara (1453-1513). Barbara was the daughter of Leonhard Ortenberg, a member of the city council of Basel. Johann Amerbach (1444-1514), the son of Peter Welcker (mayor of Amorbach). Johann married Barbara in 1483. Johann and Barbara had five children: Bruno, Margaretha (1486-1488), Basilius I, Margaretha I (1490-1541), Bonifacius (1495-1562). Amerbach worked with Jakob Wolff von Pforzheim, Johann Petri, and Johann Froben; also had a business relationship with Anton I Koberger. Two of his sons, Bruno (1484-1519, printer) and Basilius I (1488-1535, printer) succeeded him in the business.

Ostein, Kunigunde Russinger (1563-xxxx). Kunigunde (Kungold) Russinger was the widow of Leonhard Ostein (1538-1593). Ostein bought the business of Hieronymus II Froben and Jonathan Meyer zum Hirzen in 1587. He worked with his brother Daniel from 1574 to 1577. He worked independently from 1577-1593, after Daniel’s death. He possibly took over the Nikolaus Brylinger’s company in 1565. He was previously married to Verena Leiwin in 1558. Kunigunde later married Andreas Keller, who probably took over the company.

Perna, Johanna Verzasca (b. 1467-1537). Her husband was Petrus Pietro Perna (c. 1520-August 16, 1582). They had a daughter named Laura Perna (c. 1525-1571; d. 1582). Laura married Hans Konrad von Waldkirch. Petrus was also married to Aurelia von Muralt (c. 1543-1624) and they had a son named Petrus Peter Perna (1582-1636). Petrus Peter married Maria Irmy (1587-1629) and they had three children: Peter Perna (1608-1645), Margaretha Perna (1610-1629), and Daniel Perna (1613-1652). Petrus Pietro Perna bought the press of Thomas Platter. He initially apprenticed under Michael Isengrin, then he was an assistant and temporary employee. He attained citizenship in Basel in 1557. He worked with Johann Oporin in 1556, Henricpetri in 1559-1567 and in the 1570s, and Theobald Dietrich in 1570. He was succeeded by his son-in-law Konrad von Waldkirch.

Petri, Barbara Brand (1520-March 9, 1591). Barbara was the daughter of Theodor Brand (1488-November 10, 1558), mayor of Basel and Chrischona “Christina” Koesy (1502-1547); their marriage was around 1515. Theodor Brand de Altere was the son of Bernhard Brand (1463-1520) and Margarethe Herwagen (1465-1520). Christina Koesy was the daughter of Ulrich Koesy (1468-1511) and Gertrude Von Rynach (1482-1518). Barbara’s siblings were Gertrud Brand (1516-January 3, 1600), Margarethe Brand (1521-1589), and Bernhard Brand (1523-1594), Anna Brand (1530-1605), and Lienhard Brand (1533-Deceased). Barbara’s first marriage was to Johannes Huber (1506-1571) in 1535. They had three children: Martin Huber (1536-1564), Hans Huber (1538-Deceased), and Margaretha Huber (1544-Deceased). Her second marriage was to Hieronymus Froben (1501-1563) in 1544; they had no children. Her third marriage was to Heinrich Petri (stepson of Hieronymus Froben) on August 16, 1565. Heinrich Petri (1508-April 24,1579) was the son of Adam Petri (1454-1527) and Anna Selber (1485-1575, the daughter of the notary Sixtus Selber in Basel); their marriage was in 1507 in Basel. His brother was Hieronymus Petri (1508-1569). Heinrich’s first marriage was to Dorothea Hutschin (1509-1564) in 1529. They had at least 13 children together: Anna Petri (1530-1564; married Hieronymus Curio), Heinrich Petri (1532-1549), Melchior Petri (1545-1564), Johann Heinrich Petri (1549-1551), Johann Heinrich Petri (1551-1553), Veronica Petri (1531-deceased), Dorothea Petri (1532-1564), Justina Petri (1539-1573), Adam Heinrich Petri (1543-1587), Sebastian Heinrich Petri (1546-1627), Sixtus Petri (1547-1579), Johann Heinrich Petri (1553-1581), and Maria Petri (married Markus Hopperlin; professor of Greek). His second marriage was to Barbara Brand in 1565. They had three children together: Heinrich Petri (1565-1589), Ludwig Petri (d. 1579), and a daughter (Deceased). Petri worked with his stepfather, Sebastian Munster (Hebraist and cosmographer). Michael Isengrin (1534-35;1538;1546), Johannes Bebel (1534-35), Johannes Oporin (1559), Peter Perna (1561-1567), Nicolaus Brylinger (1562), Maternus Cholinus (1564), and Hieronymus Curio (1545-1564). Henricpetrina was the name he adopted when he was ennobled in 1556. He was succeeded by his sons, Sebastian and Sixtus. Sebastain took over his father’s printing office in 1569; he previously had taken over Hieronymus Curio’s shop in 1564.

Petri de Langendorff, Anna Selber (1485-1575). She was married to Adam Petri (1454-1527) in 1507. They had two sons, Hieronymus Petri (1508-1569) and Heinrich Petri (1508-1579). Adam Petri de Langendorff was the son of Petrus Petri zu Langendorf (1430-1493) and Veronika Froben von Hammelburg (1445-Deceased). He apprenticed under and succeeded his uncle Johannes Petri (d. 1507). He was succeeded by Henricpetri. Anna was later married to Sebastian Munster. Also see Barbara Brand Petri.

Waldkirch, Laura Perna (c. 1525-1571; d. 1582). She was the daughter of Peter Perna and Giovanna Verzasca. Laura married Konrad von Waldkirch (May 15, 1549-1616). In 1580, he attained Basel citizenship. After Peter and Laura Perna died of the died of the plague, Waldkirch received his father-in-law’s publishing house in 1582. He was a printer in Basel from 1583-1615/16. He later married Elisabeth Barth in 1583. In 1615, he was succeeded by Ludwig I

Konig.

Wenssler, Margarete den Hof (unknown dates). Margarete was the wife of Michael Wenssler (fl. 1462-1499). Michael enrolled at the University of Basel in 1462. He was a printer in Basel from 1471-1491. He worked with Jacob von Kilchen in 1488, Berthold Ruppel in ca. 1477-1479, Bernhard Richel in ca. 1475/1476 and 1479, Fadrique de Basel, Andreas Helmut in 1487, and Jacob Steinacher in 1490. He went bankrupt and fled to France in 1491. He continued printing in Cluny and Macon in 1492-1493 and Lyon in 1494-1496. In 1499 he moved back to Basel. His widow sought his inheritance in Lyon in 1512.

Winter, Anna Nachpur (unknown dates). Robert/Ruprecht Winter (149X-1554). He was printer/publisher in Basel from 1533-1546. He worked with Balthasar Lasius, Thomas Platter, and Johannes Oporin from 1535 to 1544. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Johann Oporinus.