Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 752

"Blat CXLVII", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10.9 x 16.1 inches
27.7 x 40.9 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 sheet of German text includes portraits on verso of King Alboin of the Lombards; Loginus, a ruler of Italy; Leander, bishop of Toledo, Spain; and John (Iohannes) the Almsgiver, bishop of Alexandria. On recto are portraits of emperors Justin the Younger and Tiberius Constantinus.

References:

Condition: B+

Minor soiling with a chip in the right blank margin and several light damp stains along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $110 - $140

Sold for: $80

Closed on 2/6/2019

Archived