Catalog Archive
Auction 165, Lot 753

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"[Lot of 2] CCXXXV [and] CCXXXVI", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Black & White

Size:
12.5 x 18.2 inches
31.8 x 46.2 cm
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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.

Two sheets with Latin text. The first sheet includes portraits of Gian Galeazzo (the first duke of Milan) and Ladislaus (son of King Charles) on recto, and the Popes Innocent VII, Gregory XII, and Alexander V on verso. The second sheet shows the portrait of Roman king Rupert and the council at Pisa on recto, with the portraits of St. Vincent of Catalonia, Baldus of Perugia, doctor Nicholas of Florence, and Emanuel Chrysoloras of Constantinople on verso.

References:

Condition: B+

The first sheet is clean and bright. The second sheet has light toning and minor soiling.

Estimate: $100 - $130

Sold for: $65

Closed on 11/15/2017

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