Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 554

"CCXXVI - Monacum [Munich]", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Germany, Munich

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Liber Chronicarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21 x 8 inches
53.3 x 20.3 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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.

Panoramic woodblock view of the city of Munich. The double-leaf view shows the city walls and the towers of the Frauenkirche at the city center and the river Isar in the foreground. Unlike many of the city views in the Chronicle, this view is not imaginary and is a very early printed view of the city.

References:

Condition: C

Good impression and attractive period correct color. Binding damage along centerfold, with a tiny bit of loss that could be easily repaired.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $850

Closed on 12/6/2006

Archived