Hartmann Schedel/ Wohlgemut/ Pleydenwurff/Dürer - The Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) - 1493

Original incunabulum leaf CVII (107) from the Nuremberg Chronicle of Hartmann Schedel, the 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 on the recto side show four beautiful illustrations:
1. Matthew the Apostle, who according to tradition was martyred at the altar, here appears as being done to death in the open country-surprised by two henchmen of the king. One has already forced his sword into the apostle's side, while the other is about to run him through the back.
2. Processus and Martinian are presented in a dual portrait, each subject carrying a palm as a symbol of martyrdom.
3. Thecla, the Virgin Martyr, is portrayed in medieval costume, and carrying a palm. The palm, symbol of victory, is one of the earliest Christian symbols.
4. Judas Thaddaeus is being clubbed to death by two vicious executioners.

On the verso side two beautiful large illustrations are portrayed: This includes the martyrdom of Simon the Apostle as well as the martyrdom of Matthias the Apostle (continued). Furthermore, three portrayed including Petronella and Lazarus, are shown plus one unmentioned individual.

This is not a facsimile edition, but an original leaf printed in the 15th century - so 533 years old!
Rare in coloured version.

Dimensions: 44,5 x 30,5 cm
Good condition, a few small brown spots and some old creases.