Catalog Archive
Auction 170, Lot 708

"Folium CCLV", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.3 x 17.5 inches
31.2 x 44.5 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.

This interesting leaf contains a portrait of the important 15th century astronomer Johannes Mueller (Latin pseudonym Regiomontanus). At bottom is a village in Franconia, in which a herdsman began preaching against the papacy and soon attracted a following. On verso are the portraits of Galeazzo Maria, duke of Milan, and Charles, duke of Burgundy, as well as an image of a swarm of locusts.

References:

Condition: A

Marginal soiling with a couple of short tears along the bottom edge of the sheet.

Estimate: $110 - $140

Sold for: $230

Closed on 11/14/2018

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