Catalog Archive
Auction 143, Lot 543

"Blat CLXXXV - Ordnung der Churfursten des Reichs", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Germany & Austria, Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Liber Chronicarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
23.3 x 17.2 inches
59.2 x 43.7 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.

This extremely unusual woodblock map is a fantasy panoramic view of twelve cities of the German and Austrian Elector Princes of the Holy Roman Empire. These imperial cities, represented by coats of arms, include Ulm, Augsburg, Cologne, Hamburg and Salzburg. The verso has a number of additional figures bearing coats of arms, as well as a list of some of the early popes.

References:

Condition: A

The centerfold has been professionally rejoined, as is common with double-page images from the Chronicle. There is some minor creasing and repaired short marginal tears, else fine.

Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $450

Closed on 2/13/2013

Archived