James Mayer Rothschild

James Mayer Rothschild was a German banker and founder of the French branch of the famous Rothschild banking house.

He was born as the fifth and the youngest son of Mayer Amschel and his wife Guetele Schnapper. When the company entered into a phase of expansion, James was sent to Paris where he founded De Rothschild Frères in 1817. A strong willed and shrewd businessman, James became the most powerful banker in France. He served as financial advisor of the two French rulers, and by financing the construction of railroads and mining business he significantly contributed to the transformation of France into an industrial power. His personal wealth was additionally augmented through the business of importing tea and wine.

In 1822 James was appointed consul-general to Austria-Hungary, and for his service he was awarded with the post of grand officer of the Legion of Honour in 1823. In 1822, along with his brothers, he was named the baron by Emperor Francis I of Austria.

Besides being successful businessman, James was also a generous philanthropist and patron of arts. Along with his wife Betty Salomon von Rothschild he acted as patron of Gioacchino Rossini, Frédéric Chopin, Honoré de Balzac, Eugène Delacroix, and Heinrich Heine and many others artists.

He died in 1868. His sons Alphonse and Gustave inherited his business empire with interests in railways, industries, factories, shipping, and mining, which extended as far as Africa and the South Sea Islands.