Germany - Nuremberg, Bavaria; Hartmann Schedel/ Wohlgemut/ Pleydenwurff/Dürer - The Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) - 1481-1500

Original incunabulum finely hand-colored double-page woodcut leaves LXIII/LXIIII (63/64) from Hartmann Schedel’s Nuremberg Chronicle, very 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.

This woodcut, titled "DESTRVCCIO IHEROSOLIME", is one of the most iconic, sought-after, and dramatic illustrations in the entire chronicle. The print was designed by the workshop of masters Michael Wolgemut (the tutor of Albrecht Dürer) and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff.

The highly detailed woodcut depicts the symbolic destruction of the city of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II. The print stands out due to its vibrant, early hand-coloring and the dynamic depiction of medieval-style architecture engulfed in flames.
On the backside the woodcut, titled "Hierosolimorum excidium" depicts the aftermath of the siege and fall of Jerusalem under the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II. The scene shows the forced migration and deportation of the Jewish people into the Babylonian captivity. On the right, heavily armored medieval-style knights on horseback represent the conquering army, while an armed guard with a raised stick drives the crown-wearing figures and weeping families out of the city.

Other woodcuts show individual portraits of biblical and historical figures including Jhesus (the High Priest Jeshua), Joachim, Aggeus propheta (Prophet Haggai), Malachias propheta (Prophet Malachi), and the Sibilla helepontiā (Hellespontine Sibyl). Furthermore the "Linea Christi" depicts the portraits of Salatiel, Zorobabel, and Abiud.

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

Dimensions: 44,8 x 60,8 cm

Good condition, a few small spots, lower right corner restored, middle fold as usual with some stitch holes restored.