Catalog Archive
Auction 99, Lot 584

"CXCIIII [Nice]", Schedel, Hartmann

Subject: Incunabula

Period: 1493 (published)

Publication: Nuremberg Chronicle

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.5 x 18.3 inches
31.8 x 46.5 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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.

Fine leaf from a Latin edition featuring part of the history of religious orders and saints. The recto features a view of the Carthusian Order, founded by St. Bruno with his portrait below. On verso is a large (9 x7.5") imaginary view with a large mosque in the foreground.

References:

Condition: B

Some stray color in text of recto and minor marginal soil. Hinge tape remnants at paper edges.

Estimate: $275 - $325

Sold for: $200

Closed on 6/12/2002

Archived