About this sheet
A highly important and visually striking 15th-century German incunabula woodcut depicting the city of Tiberias (Thyberias), printed in Augsburg in 1496 by the noted publisher Johann Schönsperger as part of the Kleine Weltchronik (“Small World Chronicle”). This remarkable early printed leaf belongs to the rich tradition of late medieval illustrated chronicles inspired by the monumental Nuremberg Chronicle of 1493 by Hartmann Schedel.
The woodcut is titled “Thyberias oder thyberiadis die stat” and presents a stylized bird’s-eye view of the ancient city of Tiberias rendered in the bold graphic language characteristic of late Gothic German woodcut illustration. Towers, fortified walls, churches, and clustered medieval buildings fill the composition, creating a highly decorative and architecturally imaginative representation of the biblical city.
Johann Schönsperger’s Kleine Weltchronik is historically significant as one of the earliest reduced-format adaptations of the famous Nuremberg Chronicle. Produced only a few years after the original 1493 publication, the Augsburg edition was intended for a broader audience and became an important milestone in the dissemination of illustrated historical and biblical knowledge during the incunabula period — the earliest age of European printing before 1500.
While simplified in comparison to the monumental Nuremberg Chronicle, Schönsperger’s woodcuts possess a remarkable visual power of their own. The bold black line work, stylized architecture, and strong Gothic typography create an image of exceptional decorative quality highly appreciated by collectors of early cartography, incunabula, medieval city views, and Renaissance woodcuts.
The text below the image is printed in rich Gothic blackletter typography and discusses historical and mythological themes associated with antiquity and the classical world. The reverse side contains additional early letterpress text, further emphasizing the authentic incunabula character of the sheet.
Original woodcuts from the Kleine Weltchronik are increasingly sought after due to their rarity, strong decorative appeal, and direct connection to one of the most celebrated illustrated books of the Renaissance. This example works exceptionally well in museum-style interiors, libraries, studies, ecclesiastical collections, or sophisticated gallery walls focused on early printing and biblical history.
This is an original antique print leaf from 1496, not a reproduction. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Age-related toning, minor staining, and light edge wear consistent with age. Strong dark impression with attractive contrast and well-preserved typography. Overall in good antique condition for a 15th-century incunabula woodcut.
Framing Tips:
This early woodcut leaf displays exceptionally well in museum-style black, dark walnut, or ebonized frames paired with a wide parchment or ivory-toned mat. Its bold Gothic typography and primitive architectural imagery make it especially suitable for libraries, studies, ecclesiastical interiors, or sophisticated gallery walls.
