Hartmann Schedel / Michael Wolgemut/ Wilhelm Pleydenwurff - The Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) - 1493

Original incunabulum leaf XXII (22) 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 on the recto side two large illustrations:
1. Abraham, third son of Terah.
2. Memphis, now called Cairo or Alkeyro (Alcairo), the royal city in Egypt, was built by Ogelous,7 the king of Egypt, and was named Memphis after his daughter

On the verso side, a beautiful illustration is shown. This is of Abraham about to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Lord tested Abraham’s obedience by ordering him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham rose early, prepared for the journey, and took Isaac and two young men to the designated mountain. Upon arrival, he instructed the young men to stay behind while he and Isaac went to worship. On one side, Abraham, carrying a pot of fire and a sword, rushes Isaac, who bears the wood for the offering. Despite Isaac’s search for a lamb, Abraham reassures him that God will provide. The other side shows Isaac kneeling, with Abraham poised to strike with a broadsword. The angel intervenes, stopping Abraham, as a ram, not caught in a thicket but rampant, appears behind him.

This is not a facsimile edition, but an original leaf printed in the 15th century - so 531 years old!
Rare in coloured version.

Dimensions: 45 x 33,3 cm

Good condition, some signs of use and a few small spots in white margin.