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Jean-Gabriel Eynard (28 December 1775 – 5 February 1863) was aSwissbanker and significantbenefactor of theGreek independence movement.
Jean-Gabriel Eynard although belonging to a family who had settled in Switzerland since the 17th century was actually born in Lyon, France - where his father owned a business - on 28 December 1775. During the French Revolution the family fled France and took refuge inRolle, Switzerland.
In 1795, Jean-Gabriel and his brother Jacques went to Genoa and both were soon heading a flourishing commercial concern. In 1800Massena's troops entered the town and Jean-Gabriel was entrusted with their supply. In particular he furnished them with uniforms cut from the blue cloth called "bleu de Genes" whence later derives the famous garment known worldwide as "blue jeans".[citation needed]
In 1801, he entered in a highly speculative and hazardous financial venture becoming the sole subscriber to a bond issued by the duke of Etruria. That audacious move was crowned with success and constituted the foundation of his immense fortune.
In 1803, he moved to Florence called forth by the Queen ofEtruria, and thence he devoted much zeal and talent to the reformation and improvement of the finances of thePrincipality of Lucca and Piombino and he was also successful with those of theTuscan state. Under the reign ofElisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, as Grand-Duchess of Tuscany he continued his work with much success and was showered with honours and privileges.
In 1809, he spent a long time in Paris in order to await the Emperor's return having been entrusted with the mission of thanking him, on behalf of both the Mediterranean Department and the Chamber of Commerce ofLivorno, for the nomination of Elisa as Grand Duchess.
In 1810 he moved to Geneva. He was ambassador of theRepublic of Geneva at theCongress of Vienna in 1815. In the following year he helped to organize the administration ofTuscany, which he represented at theCongress of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1818.
Being a friend ofIoannis Kapodistrias, he was very enthusiastic for the cause of theGreeks during theGreek War of Independence. He was the chief of thephilhellenes community inEurope, and aided the revolutionaries financially. For his services to this cause, he was made a Greek citizen. He advised the new state. His recommendation ofOtho of Bavaria for the throne of Greece was adopted. In 1842, he became one of the co-founders of theNational Bank of Greece.
In 1839, he was one of the first Swiss to use thedaguerreotype. He had this passion until his death in 1863. He bequeathed his fortune to various charitable enterprises.
He was married toAnna Eynard-Lullin.
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