"V [Creation]", 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.

An important leaf from the Creation of the World series. The recto features the illustration representing the God's work on the sixth day. Whereas the previous engravings in this series show only God's hand in the upper corner, God is depicted in this scene creating man in his own image. Adam is depicted emerging from the soil in the Garden of Eden amongst all the animals. On the verso is the "Sanctification of the Seventh Day" in which God is surrounded by the heavenly choir above the firmament of thirteen symbolic circles with the earth at the center with the four winds filling the corners. The spheres surrounding earth are labeled for water, air, fire, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the ring of the Zodiac, the Coelum Christallinum or crystalline ceiling, and the Primum Mobile or prime force by which the universe is kept in motion. This is one of the most beautiful and important leaves in this great work.

References: Wilson pp. 81-97.

Condition: B

Creased with a couple of tiny breaks in paper, couple of tiny wormholes and minor soil. Despite flaws a good example of this rare leaf.