Catalog Archive
Auction 103, Lot 447

"CXXX - Constantinopolis", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Turkey

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Black & White

Size:
20.7 x 23.4 inches
52.6 x 59.4 cm
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Hartmann Schedel's Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) was published in two editions, Latin and German, both in 1493, appearing in print just before Christopher Columbus' discoveries completely re-shaped the European view of the World. This splendid work presented the history of the world in a pictorial encyclopedia with approximately 285 pages of text and 1,800 woodcut illustrations. Among these illustrations are views of towns and cities throughout Europe and the Near East. The majority of these views are entirely imaginary. In fact, 49 of the views are actually printed from the same group of 14 woodblocks. There are also 30 double-page views of cities with more realistic images. In addition to the topographical images, there are an enormous number of other subjects, including diagrams of the Creation, comets, family trees, portraits & biblical scenes. The text was compiled and edited by Hartmann Schedel, printed by Anton Koberger, with illustrations designed by Michael Wohlgemuth and Willem Pleydenwurff, who cut the woodblocks, probably with the assistance of their apprentice, Albrecht Durer.

Grand panorama of the city on two joined sheets, printed from separate woodblocks, as issued. This is one of twenty-five double spread views in the Chronicle and one of the first accurate depictions of the city. On a full sheet of Latin text, Folio CXXX.

References:

Condition: B

Tissue repair at center with some binding holes and a worm track filled with slight loss of engraved surface. Soft printer's crease through right side.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 6/11/2003

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