PhD Defence Posthumus alumnus Max-Quentin Bischoff

On 10 June 2026, Posthumus alumnus Max-Quentin Bischoff will defend the PhD thesis ‘Merchants’ Futures: Plans and expectations in the Tucher family company, c.1520-c.1550′ at the FelixArchief. Supervisor is Jeroen Puttevils (University of Antwerp).

Drawing on the annotation and analysis of 178 letters, the dissertation explores how the Tuchers anticipated, discussed, and managed future developments in commerce, organisation, and family strategy. The research demonstrates that almost half of an average business letter concerned future actions or events, revealing a predominantly short-term and action-oriented future horizon shaped by both practical concerns and rhetorical conventions.

The dissertation further examines internal planning processes within the company, ranging from servant coordination and organisational adaptation to the long-term education of sons intended to secure the continuity of the family business. Finally, it analyses market expectations surrounding interest rates, exchange rates, and saffron prices, as well as the controversial attempt by servant Christof Kurz to develop a prognostic system combining astrology and market mechanisms.

Those who want to attend the defence should send an e-mail to Max-Quentin ultimately by 4 June 2026.

The N.W. Posthumus Intsitute staff wishes Max-Quentin a successful defence!