Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 918

"XVI", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Liber Chronicarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
9.2 x 15 inches
23.4 x 38.1 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.

This leaf is one of the many family lineage illustrations in the Chronicle. It depicts the line of Japheth, one of Noah's three sons, who became the father of Europeans. The genealogical tree contains eighteen portraits including Thyrus and his astrolabe. On the verso is a continuation of the Linea Christi with the descendants of Sale.

References:

Condition: A

The top margin has been slightly trimmed and there are remnants of mounting hinges on verso.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $300

Closed on 3/17/2010

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