Original incunabulum woodcut leaf XCIIII (94) from the Nuremberg Chronicle of Hartmann Schedel, the first Latin edition from 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. The beautifully coloured woodcuts of Folio XCIIII illustrate: 1. Strabo, a historian, geographer, and philosopher, renowned for his extensive knowledge, wrote 17 books on the world's geography, meticulously documenting ancient regions, and his works were later translated into Latin. 2. Anna, a Hebrew woman and daughter of Issachar, was the mother of Mary, the future mother of Jesus, after many years of barrenness; she remarried twice after her husband Joachim's death, and was related to John the Baptist's mother, Elizabeth. 3. Zacharias, a Hebrew priest and prophet, married to Elizabeth, was promised a son, John the Baptist, by an angel while performing his priestly duties; struck mute for his disbelief, he later regained speech to name and prophesy over his son. 4. Mary, the mother of Jesus, born to Joachim and Anna in Nazareth, was dedicated to the Temple at a young age, chosen by God for her piety, and conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit, being visited by the angel Gabriel who announced her divine favour and mission. The verso side depicts different beautiful illustrations: a. The genealogy of John the Baptist, starting with Ismeria and her spouse, depicted as an elderly couple with Ismeria having a halo. From Ismeria, a branch splits off to Eliud on the left and to Elizabeth, shown with her husband Zacharias in a dual portrait. From Elizabeth and Zacharias, another branch extends to their son, John the Baptist. This woodcut portrays John as an elderly man holding a large book with a lamb on it, symbolising his mission, and a banner of the Resurrection in his right hand. b. 1. The Birth of the Virgin Mary. The mother, Anna, is shown in bed, attended by two women who are bringing her drink and food. Beside he bed is a small cradle out of which peeps the infant Mary. 2. The Espousal of the Virgin Mary. Joseph stands at the left, Mary at the right. A Catholic priest wearing a huge mitre stands between them and joins their hands in marriage. 3. The Annunciation. Mary appears at the right kneeling in prayer. The angel Gabriel, scepter in hand, has suddenly alighted at the left, and hails the surprised Mary as the future mother of Christ. c. Herod Antipas is celebrating his birthday, seated in an uncomfortable niche in the wall, with his wife Herodias beside him and her daughter Salome next to her. Attendants bustle about the table, with one bringing a large goblet and another fanning the air with peacock feathers. Salome has finished her dance, pleasing the king, who has granted her request. The executioner, standing by the wall, rests on his large sword. John the Baptist's head is on a platter in the center of the table, and Salome, the dominant figure, points a knife at his forehead. Herod appears displeased with the situation, while Herodias seems content. This is not a facsimile edition, but an original leaf printed in the 15th century - so 531 years old! Rare in coloured version. Dimensions: 41 x 26,5 cm Reasonable condition, lower part and left white margin with some restored tears and wormholes, a few spots. Paper not in the best condition but beautifully coloured !