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 striking, double-page view of Florence is one of the earliest engravings of the city that is available to collectors today. It was adapted from Francesco Rosselli’s famous view, Veduta della Catena, and is among the few truly realistic views included in the Chronicle. It is a condensed version of the cityscape with the river Arno and its four medieval bridges linking the two parts of the city. The grandiose cathedral, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello and other civic and religious buildings dominate the center of the view. On the verso are panels of portraits including the lineage of the kings of Syria and the Roman consuls.

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Condition: A

Good impression with a small, well-repaired binding hole at lower center, else excellent.