Original leaf from the FIRST EDITION of the Nuremberg Chronicle - a history of the world profusely illustrated with woodcuts by two distinguished artists: Michael Wolgemut (Dürer’s master) and Wilhelm Pleydenwurf.
Printed and published in July 1493 by Anton Koberger. (sheet size: 430 x 302mm – 17 1/8 x 11 7/8’’)
This leaf, printed in German, depicts (recto) “Anglie Provincia”. It is the only view representing an English city, presumably London. It is the earliest published view of an English town or city. The text mentions: “a city highly celebrated among merchants and tradesmen”. It depicts a fortified medieval city, located on an unusually steep mountainside, and divided by a river, probably the Thames, which flows along with a strong current.
Verso depicts the genealogy of David, Kings David and Solomon as well as the Queen Sheba.
Rücker 38 lists among “Phantasieansichten”, the same image elsewhere representing Wallachia and France. Still, there was nothing more realistic for over 100 years, until Norden’s Civitas Londini.
The Nuremberg Chronicle was one of the most remarkable books of its time, with woodcuts illustrating the Bible, ecclesiastical and other history, topography, maps and views of towns. It is one of the earliest illustrated printings - published less than 50 years after the Gutenberg Bible.
Shipped unmatted
