Ravenna, Italy in the Liber chronicarum- Nuremberg Chronicle, an individual page from the Chronicle, Plate No. CXLII.
Germany: Anton Koberger, ca 1460-1494. First edition. This work by Schedel [1440-1514] is an illustrated world history which is based on the Bible, which follows the story of human history related in the Bible and includes the histories of a number of important Western cities. Written in Latin by Hartmann Schedel it appeared in 1493. It is a well documented incunabulum, one of the first to successfully combine illustrations and text.
This epic history divides human history into seven ages. Published and printed by Anton Koberger, the godfather of Albrecht Durer and the most successful German publisher of his day. The woodcut illustrations were made in the workshop of Michael Wolgemut [1434 - 1519], with an unpredcedented number of 1,809 illustrations. These woodblocks include views of cities and towns, battles, kings, and saints. Some images represent actual cities, and other images are purely imaginative.
This print is of the ancient city of Ravenna, "developed by the Ostrogoths''. The image is of a large town with several bridges spanning presumably the river Po (??), Latin text describing the waves of rulers. Verso describes four Popes from Year of the World 5690, Year of the Christ 494 to 5713, 514, respectively: Symmachus, Hosmilda, (John) Iohannes, Felix. Approximately 12 x 17 1/4", b & w, slt. tanned on edges, evidence of insect damage in margin in one spot, not affecting text. Very good condition. Item #21644
Price: $240.00