Incunable Leaves from Nuremberg Chronicle Presenting Early Views of Rome and Genoa

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

Hartmann Schedel. ROMA / GENUA. Nuremberg: Anton Koberger, 1493. Folio; incunable leaves LVII and LVIII from the Latin edition of Nuremberg Chronicle; the recto with a double-leaf woodcut with later hand-coloring presenting one of the earliest town views of Roma [Rome], with the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other important monuments visible; a half-page woodcut of Genua [Genoa] on the verso; displayed matted and behind glass in a double-sided wooden frame.

Sight size 15 1/2 x 21 3/4 in.; Frame dimensions 22 1/8 x 28 3/8 in.

From a Private Williamsburg, Virginia Collection

Liber Chronicarum, or Nuremberg Chronicle, is one of the most important and famous incunabula. It offers a history of the world from creation to the late 15th century, with stories from the Bible, historical events, and geographical information. It was extensively illustrated with thousands of woodcuts that depict cities, philosophers, religious figures, maps, and more. The book was written by Hartmann Schedel, and the first edition in Latin was published 1493, soon followed by a German edition later that same year.

Centerfold, as issued, with small areas of separation along the fold and a strip of discoloration running adjacent (most visible on verso); a small repair to margin, and a couple of minor spots and stains; the verso with three crude paper reinforcements along upper edge, the mat with very light foxing and subtle uneven discoloration; light wear to frame; not examined outside the frame.