"Foliu XXVI - Rhodis", 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 leaf includes a fine imaginary view (8.8 x 6.9") of the ancient Greek colony of Rhodes which, according to ancient sources, was founded by the Rhodis prior to 776 B.C. The view appears on a sheet of Latin text with portraits of kings and the genealogy of Isaac and Rebekah. On a sheet of Latin text of 13.1 x 18.9".

See also lot 824 for Adrian Wilson's The Making of the Nuremberg Chronicle, that provides a detailed examination of this early illustrated book.

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Condition: B+

Light soiling with one small hole along the edge of the sheet that has been archivally repaired.