Catalog Archive
Auction 165, Lot 755

"[Lot of 2] CCXVIII [and] CCXIX", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Black & White

Size:
12.6 x 17.9 inches
32 x 45.5 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.

Two sheets with Latin text. The recto of the first sheet shows portraits of Charles (Carolus) the Second, son of the king of Sicily, Wenceslaus, the sixth king of Bohemia, Thaddeus, a doctor from Florence, Philip IV, king of France, and Archbishop Aegidius. The verso features the portraits and biographies of three religious figures: Pope Nicholas the Fourth, Pope Celestine the Fifth, and Bishop Ugolino.

The second sheet includes a portrait of King Adolph of Nassau and a view of the Order of The Celestines on recto, with portraits of the Popes Boniface the Eigth and Benedict the Eleventh, as well as King Louis of Sicily on verso.

References:

Condition: B+

Light soiling with a few old manuscript marks. The first sheet has some minor mildew stains at bottom.

Estimate: $100 - $130

Sold for: $65

Closed on 11/15/2017

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