Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514). Venecie. (Anton Koberger, Nuremberg, 1493). Published in Liber chronicarum or Nuremberg Chronicle, 12 July 1493. Sheet: 16 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. Hand-colored woodblock. German text. Printed on two sheets, as issued. Verso: Half-page view of Padua. Centerfold backed; wrinkling below image at center; some show-through from verso. Very good condition.
$3,500.00
Fine example of Schedel’s incunable view of Venice (Venezia) from the German translation of the famous Liber chronicarum or Nuremberg Chronicle published in 1493, the year that Columbus returned to Europe after discovering America. Leaf number XLIIII.
The view is based on the large woodcut plan of Dutch artist Erhard Reuwich in Peregrinatio by Bernhard von Breydenbach, Mainz 1486. Schedel’s view is one of the oldest authentic plans of Venice and realistically the only large format 15th Century view obtainable to collectors.
The woodblock cutters were Michael Wolgemut, the well-known teacher of Albrecht Dürer, and his stepson Wilhelm Pleydenwurff. Wohlgemut was Albrecht Dürer’s tutor between 1486-90. Since the young Dürer was active in Wohlgemut’s printer shop during the time the woodblock for the Nuremberg Chronicle was produced, he may also have collaborated, since some of the cuts bear a remarkably close resemblance to his Apocalypse illustrations.
Hartmann Schedel was a prominent physician and writer, who amassed one of the largest private book collections of the 15th Century. Schedel’s work is illustrated by over 1800 woodcut images by Michael Wolgemut and his stepson Wilhelm Pleydenwurff.
The Liber Chronicarum, or Nuremberg Chronicle, is the most extensively illustrated book of the 15th century. The text by Hartmann Schedel sets out to chronicle the history of the world from its creation to the end of the 15th century, including topographical descriptions of all the major cities of the known world. The text and illustrations are beautifully blended to form pages that show a remarkable balance between the type and woodcut. The images include a fine early world map, a map of Europe, a creation series, a dance of death series, portraits of the saints (with their attributes), illustrated biblical and royal genealogies and the well-known series of panoramic city views.
Ref: Shirley, Mapping of the World, No. 19, Plate 25; Wilson, The Making of the Nuremberg Chronicle, p. 115, Plate 6.
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