World - World; Hartmann Schedel/ Wohlgemut/ Pleydenwurff/Dürer - The Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) - Danse Macabre - 1493

Original incunabulum leaf CCLXIII (263) 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.

On the recto side a striking illustration of the Dance of Death (Danse Macabre) is depicted. The scene shows skeletal figures leading men and women of all ranks; pope, emperor, bishop, nobleman, and peasant, in a grim procession. Each figure is shown being drawn into the dance, a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly life and the equality of all before death. It expresses a universal truth: death spares no one, regardless of age, rank, or virtue. This is one of the most sought after wood cuts in the Liber Chronicarum.

The verso side is a Latin text page.

This is not a facsimile edition, but an original leaf printed in the 15th century - so 532 years old!
Rare in coloured version.

Dimensions: 19 x 22,2 cm (woodcut), 38,7 x 27 cm (paper).

Good condition, due to binding the upper part of the paper has been enlarged, a small tear in the upper white margin restored.

Attention for US buyers: Due to recent postal restrictions shipping to the US can only be done by DHL, therefore higher shipping costs apply!