1493 – H. Schedel – Lacedemonia

Titles:           “Lacedemonia”

Description:

Very decorative woodcut depicting a “fantasy” view of the ancient Greek city of Lacedemonia, better known as Sparta. Below the city view are smaller portraits. Mercury identified by the text starting with “Sie mercurius,” he was considered a god of many arts. The bottom right illustration features three armed female warriors, representing the legendary Amazons.

Verso, on the left, you can see woodcuts of Minerva (with weaving tools), Prometheus, Atlas Gigas, Apollo, and Jupiter. The right-hand column features a “linea regum” (line of kings), showing historical or legendary rulers.

Comes from Hartmann Schedel’s the Latin edition of the “Liber chronicarum” published in 1493.

Page number XXVIII.

The Nuremberg Chronicles was the first printed history of the known world with about 2000 woodcuts the most picturesque work of the early time of printing. It became one of the most popular books of the 15th. century. The woodblock cutters were Michael Wolgemut, teacher of Albrecht Dürer and his stepson Wilhelm Pleydenwurff. The printing was carried out under the supervision of the great scholar-printer Anton Koberger.

Cartographer:      Hartmann Schedel (1440 – 1514)
Sheet size:               31,1 x 43,4 cm
Year:                         1493
Technique:            wood block

Condition:
In very good condition. Watermarked paper.

This is an original antique map published in 1493 and NOT a modern copy or reprint

On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity