Samuel Oppenheimer
banquier et diplomate, Juif de cour du Saint-Empire, XVIIe et début du XVIIIe s.
Samuel Oppenheimer was a prominent German-Jewish banker and diplomat who played a significant role in the financial and diplomatic affairs of the Holy Roman Empire during the 17th century. Born in 1630, Oppenheimer rose to prominence as a trusted advisor and financier to Emperor Leopold I, providing substantial financial support to the emperor's military campaigns, particularly during the Great Turkish War.
Oppenheimer's influence and connections extended beyond the realm of finance, as he also facilitated the acquisition of valuable cultural artifacts. Through his association with Prince Eugene of Savoy, he obtained a large collection of rare Hebrew manuscripts from Turkey, which would eventually form the foundation of the renowned David Oppenheim Library. This esteemed library is now housed at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, serving as a testament to Oppenheimer's lasting legacy. He passed away in 1703, leaving behind a remarkable record of achievement in the fields of business and diplomacy.