Hartmann Schedel / Wohlgemut / Pleydenwurff / Durer - The Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) - Successione Papi dell'VIII Secolo e Imprese di Carlo - 1493

This original sheet is an incunabulum from 1493 from the Liber Chronicarum, also known as the Nuremberg Chronicle, one of the most famous and monumental works in the early history of printing. The text was drafted by the German humanist Hartmann Schedel, printed by the renowned publisher Anton Koberger in Nuremberg, and illustrated with woodcuts from the workshop of Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff. The page belongs to the section entitled "Sexta etas mundi", dedicated to the Christian era. The text masterfully intertwines the pontifical succession during the doctrinal and political turmoils of the VIII century with the great historical narratives relating to the Roman councils and the decisive military campaigns of the Franks against Saracen invasions in Europe. The front of the sheet (bearing at the margin the inscription of the Linea summorum pontificum) is devoted to the biographies of three important popes who succeeded in the VIII century, each accompanied by his solemn woodcut portrait. At the top stands Pope Zacharias (Zacharias), a pope of Greek origin celebrated for his intellect, his kindness of spirit, and the peace treaties concluded with the Lombard king Liutprando. Next comes the figure of Pope Stephen II (Stephanus secundus), remembered for his bond with the Frankish realm and the anointing of Pipin the Short. The column of portraits closes with Pope Paul I (Paulus primus), Stephen’s brother, praised for his merciful character, doctrinal firmness, care for the sick, and attention to the neediest in Rome. Turning the page, the reverse (which bears at the top right the woodcut pagination Folium LXIIII) opens with the description of the Council of Rome convoked by Pope Gregory II in favor of the cult of sacred images (Conciliu rome p[ro] ymaginibus), in open opposition to the early iconoclastic impulses of the Byzantine East. Beneath this ecclesiastical chronicle, the right-hand column hosts the superb woodcut portrait of Charles Martel (Carolus marcellus), renowned master of the palace of the Franks. The text recounts in depth his extraordinary military and political deeds: from the tense internal dynastic struggles among the Franks after the death of Pipin of Herstal to the submission of the Saxons and Bavarians, up to the famous and monumental victory at Poitiers against the massive incursions of the Saracens (saracenis), consolidating his role as defender of Western Christendom. The page finally ends with the mention of the solemn translation of Saint Augustine’s relics from Sardinia to Pavia by King Liutprand. Dimensions 42 x 31 cm; Will be shipped by courier.