"Venecie", 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.

This is a striking example of one of the first printed views of Venice. The beautifully rendered, double-page view captures the appealing beauty of the Venetian Lagoon. The view was based on the Breydenbach view (1486), which was based on first-hand observation, and is among the few truly realistic views included in the Chronicle. On the verso of this work are a view of Padua and portraits of Homer, Aeneas, Anchises, and other classical figures. On two sheets of Latin text measuring 24.5 x 18.3".

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Condition: B

Light soiling. There is a 1/2" strip along the centerfold extending the length of the sheet that was cut and then professionally reattached, however the portion of the strip in the blank margins has been replaced with old paper. The centerfold and the top and bottom edges of the sheet have been reinforced with archival tissue on verso. A short tear in the text at top right has been closed on verso with archival materials, slightly obscuring a small portion of the Padua view on verso.