Michael Wohlgemut Illustrator (1 results)
More imagesLiber Chronicarum (Nuremberg Chronicle)
Schedel, Hartmann; Michael Wohlgemut [Illustrator]; Wilhelm Pleydenwurff [Illustrator]
Published by Anton Koberger for Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermaister, Nuremberg, 1493
- First Edition
Seller: Burnside Rare Books, ABAA, Portland, OR, U.S.A.Burnside Rare Books, ABAA
Contact seller5-star sellerCondition: Used - Near fine
£ 96,258.66
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Add to basketCondition: Near Fine. First Edition. First edition, first printing. Imperial folio, 326 leaves: [20], 266, [6], 267-299, [1]. Text in Latin in two columns, rotunda typface. Illustrated with approximately 1809 woodcuts printed from 645 blocks (Sydney Carlyle Cockerell's count). Imperial folio, rebound circa 1900 in stamped and fi…lleted Niger morocco, all edges gilt. Near Fine condition with light wear to covers; binding strong. Inscription to title page and marginalia in calligraphic script, chiefly confined to first 45 pages and partially trimmed. Trifling stains and thumbing throughout. Archivally repaired short tears and corners to lower margins throughout, not very noticeable; 9 1/2 inch tear to f.3, affecting woodcut. Bookworm damage near lower gutter to world map at rear. Portrait of Pope Joan on f.169 verso unmutilated; uncommon. A beautiful copy of the greatest illustrated book of the 15th century, preserved in a handsome Arts and Crafts binding by the Guild of Women-Binders, a collective of female bookbinders active between 1898 and 1904. Liber Chronaricum is a world history compiled from numerous sources by the humanist doctor and bibliophile Hartmann Schedel. It was commissioned by two merchants, Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister, and was printed by Anton Koberger in the city of Nuremberg, which lent the Chronicle its common name. In keeping with the humanist ideals of everyone involved, the book was published in German as well as Latin in order to make the material accessible to the upper middle classes who spoke no Latin. Customers also had the option of purchasing the book either unbound and uncolored, or bound and colored for three times as much. The Latin edition was published July 12, 1493 and ran to 1,200 - 15,000 copies, while the German edition was published December 23 in a run of 600 - 1,000 copies. No census has been taken of the surviving copies, but 700 altogether is a common estimate. The Chronicle's lasting fame derives from its extensive illustrations and groundbreaking layout. The exquisite woodcuts were designed and made by Michael Wohlgemut and his workshop, which included his teenaged apprentice Albrecht Durer during the early stages. They comprise genealogical trees, portraits, scenes from the Bible, two world maps, and views of almost 100 different major cities throughout Europe and the Near East, of which 29 are double page. Many of these are generic depictions -- the same block might be reused for several cities -- but around thirty are believed to be accurate. The most detailed city view is of course that of Nuremberg, which captures the town's narrow streets and pitched roofs. Other images bring to life the costumes, tools, and theological preoccupations of medieval Europe. Koberger wrote with justification: "Never before has your like been printed. A thousand hands will grasp you with eager desire.".
