15 Facts About Christophe Plantin

Christophe Plantin was a French Renaissance humanist and book printer and publisher who resided and worked in Antwerp.

Christophe Plantin established in Antwerp one of the most prominent publishing houses of his time, the Plantin Press.

Christophe Plantin was not born to a wealthy family, and his mother died when Plantin was still quite young.

In 1545, he and his wife, Joanna Riviere, set up shop in Paris, but after three years, they chose to relocate to the booming commercial centre of Antwerp, where Christophe Plantin became a free citizen and a member of the Guild of St Luke, the guild responsible for painters, sculptors, engravers and printers.

Christophe Plantin was responsible for printing a wide range of titles, from Cicero to religious hymnals.

In 1562, while Christophe Plantin was absent in Paris, his workmen printed a heretical pamphlet, which resulted in his presses and goods being seized and sold.

The co-venture lasted only until 1567 but enabled Christophe Plantin to acquire a house in the Hoogstraat which he named "De Gulden Passer".

Christophe Plantin holds the instrument in portraits of him, such as the one commissioned from the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens.

Christophe Plantin established a branch of his firm in Paris.

Christophe Plantin left his Leiden office to Raphelengius and returned to Antwerp after it became more settled after its conquest by the prince of Parma in 1585.

Christophe Plantin was a prolific printer and prosperous entrepreneur, publishing more than 40 editions of emblem books.

In spite of clerical opposition, Christophe Plantin was encouraged by King Philip II of Spain, who sent him the learned Benito Arias Montano to lead the editorship.

In 1968, the Christophe Plantin Prize was created in his memory, given to a Belgian civilian who resides abroad, who has made significant contributions to cultural, artistic or scientific activities.

Christophe Plantin married Joanna Riviere; they had five daughters and a son.

Christophe Plantin's daughters were described as learned in reading and writing, especially Greek and Latin.