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

Original incunabulum woodcut leaf XLIX (49) 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 XLIX on the recto side show 3 different lineages:
1. Lineage of Christ: The lineage of Christ includes Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa, who were kings of Israel.
Their portraits are depicted with symbols of kingship.
2. Prophets: The prophets are shown in a triple portrait Jehu, Eleazer, and Oziel and separately of Hanani.
3. Lineage of Italian Kings: The lineage of Italian kings includes Silvius Postumus, Aeneas Silvius, Latinus Silvius, Alba Silvius, and Achis Silvius.

On the verso side two different illustrations are shown:
Five Hebrew prophets:
1. Azarias
2. Helya
3. Abdias
4. Micheas
5. Jonas

The Lineage of Israelite Kings
1. Zamri
2. Amri
3. Achaband Jesabel
4. Ochosias
5. Joram

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

Dimensions: 43,8 x 31 cm

Good condition, a few old spots, an old annotation.

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