Girolamo Scotto

Girolamo Scotto (Hieronymus Scotus; also Gerolamo) (c.1505 – 3 September 1572[1]) was an Italian printer, composer, businessman and bookseller of the Renaissance, active mainly in Venice.

In her book on the Scotto firm, Jane Bernstein suggests that Ottaviano may have been ill, since he made two separate wills in the 1540s; he also may have preferred to devote his time to his other interests, such as philosophy and medicine, happily giving over the business aspect of the publishing house to his younger brother.

In the 33 years of their domination of the Italian market, Scotto produced over 800 publications – approximately a complete print run of a new book or set of music parts every two weeks.

[9] Having the monopoly, a healthy market for his products, and a network of booksellers throughout Italy and Sicily, Scotto acquired considerable wealth during the middle decades of the 16th century.

Tax records, and his will, mention his ownership of numerous rental properties and cultivated fields, many in the vicinity of Padua.

In 1571 he was elected as priore to the Venetian Guild of Printers and Booksellers, which included in its membership all of the notable figures in the business in Venice.