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Liber Chronicarum (Nuremberg Chronicle). Author: Hartman Schedel (1440-1514) Illustrators: Michael Wolgemut (German, 1434/37-1519) and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff (German, ca. 1460-1494) Nuremberg: Anton Koberger, 1493. Woodcut illustrations with printed tex; bound volume: 17 3/4 x 12 3/4 in. (45.2 x 32.5 cm). George Khuner Collection, Gift of Mrs. George Khuner, 1981 (1981.1178.29). Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art www.metmuseum.org |
The Nuremberg Chronicle, more properly known as the Liber Chronicarum, is a history of the world from creation to its publication in 1493. Its structure follows the story of human history as related in the Bible while also including digressions on natural catastrophes, royal genealogies and the histories of a number of important Western cities. Hartman Schedel, a Nuremberg physician and humanist scholar, compiled the work. It was illustrated and engraved by leading artists of the day, Michael Wohlgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff, and published by Anton Koberger, the largest printer and publisher in Germany at the time.
The Chronicle is considered one of the most outstanding examples of early printing. Its fames stems primarily from the quality of its illustrations. It was the most lavishly illustrated book of the time and was one of the first to successfully integrate illustrations and text. In its own time, it was a very popular work with approximately 2500 copies printed and editions appearing in both Latin and German. The book was so successful that an unauthorized, less expensive edition was printed in Augsburg in 1497.
Yet, the Nuremberg Chronicle is more than simply a fine example of craft and artistry in the early years of printing it also reflects the spirit of its time. While on the one hand it demonstrates the influence of Renaissance humanism, it also shows a society in the process of transformation from medieval to modern, and from a scribal culture to a print culture. The Chronicle employs a historical and literary framework taken from the medieval chronicle while reflecting more modern practices through its use of classical sources. It also attempts to reach a wider audience both through illustrations and a vernacular edition.
Click on the images below to learn more about the production and meaning of the Nuremberg Chronicle.
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