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 dramatic depiction of the Last Judgment shows Christ seated on the rainbow throne with his feet resting on an orb, flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John. The lily of mercy and the sword of justice are on each side of his head. Included are two angels wakening the dead from their graves with most of them being received into heaven by St. Peter and an unfortunate few being led by devils to hell. The German text on back describes "Das letst alter" - the last period and end of the world.

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Condition: B+

A nice impression with light soiling and a few tiny tears along the edges of the sheet.