Catalog Archive
Auction 141, Lot 758

"Folio IX", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Liber Cronicarum

Color: Black & White

Size:
12.5 x 18 inches
31.8 x 45.7 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.

Adam and Eve are depicted after their expulsion from the garden with infants Cain and Abel. On verso is the beginning of the Tree of Adam which shows Cain slaying Abel.

References: Wilson pp. 104-107.

Condition: B+

There is light toning, one tiny hole in the upper left portion of the image, and some minor soiling primarily confined to the blank margins.

Estimate: $200 - $300

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/5/2012

Archived