Binding based on the work of the “Fugger binder” or “Venetian Apple Binder” active in Venice between 1540 and 1560. The original binding is kept in the Spanish Royal Collection (see Great bindings from the Spanish Royal Collections 15th – 21st centuries p.133 Figs 89 – 90).
The Fugger Binder, so-called after his principle customer, Johann Jacob Fugger of the Augsburg family of bankers. This banker was in fact more interested in arts and literature, so the - logic - financial disaster of his poor management forced him to sell his collection to Albrecht V of Bayern. The collection is now still a cornerstone of the Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek.