1493 – H. Schedel – Roma

Titles:           “Roma” & “Genua”

Description:

A double-leaf woodcut view from Hartmann Schedel’s Latin edition of the “Liber Chronicarum,” published in Nuremberg in 1493, uniting two of the Chronicle’s most celebrated city portraits of Rome and Genoa, Italy.

Unlike many of the town views in the Chronicle, which reused a small set of generic woodblocks for dozens of different (and sometimes entirely imaginary) towns, both Rome and Genoa were given custom, purpose-cut views — making this a particularly desirable pairing rather than a recycled one.

Folio LVIII depicts a sweeping panorama of Rome (“Roma”), one of the largest and most admired city views in the book. Landmarks are individually labeled across the skyline, including the Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s, the papal palace, and the Tiber, all enclosed within the old city walls and gates.

Folio LVII shows the companion view of Genoa (“Genua”), introduced in the accompanying Latin text as “mistress and queen” of the Ligurians — a fortified hillside port city rendered in the same detailed, elevated perspective.

Page numbers: LVII & LVIII

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:             55,0 x 41,0 cm
Year:                       1493
Technique:           wood block

Condition:
Good condition. A few wormholes and brownish spots present. Middle fold as issued.

 

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