"Folio XXI [Lineage of Abraham / Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah]", Schedel, Hartmann

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 recto of this sheet with Latin text depicts a portion of the lineage of Abraham's descendants connected by a vine, as well as an illustration of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, with Lot's wife turned to a pillar of salt as she gazed back on the burning cities. On verso is an additional portion of the lineage of Abraham, and an illustration of Abraham returning with his forces from the slaughter of the five kings, being received by Melchizedek.

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Condition: B+

Two small holes in the image and marginal soiling.