Catalog Archive
Auction 141, Lot 754

"Blat CXXXV", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Liber Cronicarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10.8 x 16.1 inches
27.4 x 40.9 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.

The verso of this sheet shows the Second Ecumenical Council, held at Constantinople, which was called to proceed against Macedonius the bishop of Constantinople and Eudoxius for heresy. Below the council are portraits of Radagaisus (Radagasus), king of the Goths, with his successors Alaric and Ataulf (Athaulphum). The recto depicts the portraits of Jerome (Hieronymus), John Chrysostom, and Pelagius, among others. German text.

References:

Condition: B+

Light toning, minor soiling, and a faint damp stain along top edge of sheet and in bottom left corner.

Estimate: $100 - $140

Sold for: $210

Closed on 9/5/2012

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