Rare Woodcuts of Macedonia and the Turks from the Nuremberg Chronicle, 1493
€ 360
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1493
Sheet size
24.5 × 18 cm (9.6 × 7.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14042-3A, -3B
Condition
The sheet is in very good condition for its age, with sharp woodcuts, clear text, intact margins, minimal foxing, and no major tears. Slight age toning and faint stains but do not detract from its overall appeal. Ideal for collectors or display.
About this sheet
This pair of 15th-century woodcut engravings originates from the Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum), one of the most renowned incunabula of the early printing era. Published in 1493 in Nuremberg by Anton Koberger, the Chronicle was authored by Hartmann Schedel and illustrated by Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff, both prominent artists of the time. The Chronicle is notable for its detailed cityscapes and depictions of historical and geographical themes.
Front (Von Macedonia): The engraving titled *Von Macedonia* provides a medieval interpretation of Macedonia. It features a fortified town surrounded by hills and a prominent barren tree in the foreground. The architecture showcases medieval castles and homes, embodying the artistic style of the time. Accompanying the woodcut is a column of descriptive text in Gothic script, providing historical and geographic insights into the region.
Back (Von den Türcken): The reverse side, titled *Von den Türcken* (On the Turks), portrays a stylized view of a Turkish city. The illustration emphasizes the fortified structures, minarets, and urban layout of a prominent Turkish settlement, likely symbolizing the Ottoman Empire’s influence during the period. The accompanying text elaborates on the history, culture, and presence of the Turks in Europe.
These woodcuts serve as vivid representations of 15th-century perceptions of Macedonia and the Ottoman world, blending history, geography, and artistic imagination.
