Hartmann Schedel/ Wohlgemut/ Pleydenwurff/Dürer - The...

Lot of 2 Original leaves CCXXXVIII (238) and Folio CCXLXVII 247) from from the Nuremberg Chronicle by Hartmann Schedel, first Latin edition of 1493. An incunabulum (cradle print) is a book printed in Europe before 1 January 1501, when the printing press was still in its infancy, and of which the text is set in movable type. They are now rarely seen on the market. The Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) by Hartmann Schedel is one of the most famous and best illustrated incunabula. The beautiful woodcuts were made by Michael Wohlgemut (1434/37-1519) and his stepson Wilhelm Pleydenwurff (1450-1494), a teacher of Albrecht Dürer. Dürer probably also contributed to the execution of many of the woodcuts for this incunabulum. Folio 238: The recto shows a hand-coloured woodcut portrait of the English theologian John Wycliffe, depicted holding an open book, beneath the heading “De heresi hussitarum et eius origine” (“On the heresy of the Hussites and its origin”). The Latin text discusses Wycliffe and the Hussite movement from the Chronicle’s contemporary Catholic perspective. The verso depicts hand-coloured woodcut portraits of John XXIII (Baldassare Cossa, now classified as an antipope) and Pope Martin V, accompanied by Latin accounts of their careers and the Council of Constance. Folio 247: The recto shows a striking full-length, hand-coloured woodcut portrait of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III, wearing a crown and elaborate robes and holding a sceptre and orb, alongside a Latin account of his life and reign. The verso contains Latin text continuing the account of Frederick III, including his journey to Italy and imperial coronation, without illustrations. Both leaves bear the heading “Sexta etas mundi” (“The Sixth Age of the World”). Together, they offer an evocative glimpse of how religious and political history was presented at the close of the Middle Ages. This is not a facsimile edition, but an original leaf printed in the 15th century - so 533 years old! Rare in coloured version. Dimensions each: 43,6 x 31,5 cm Good condition, a few spots, white margin with a few small tears.

Estimate:£126.76

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