A page from the Nuremberg Chronicle depicting The Archangel Michael (1493)
This leaf comes from the German edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle (Das Buch der Chroniken), published by Anton Koberger in 1493.
It is identified by the folio number CLXXIII (173).
One of the more iconic religious illustrations from the Chronicle, as Saint Michael was a central figure in medieval Germanic devotion.
The woodcut is a classic depiction of Saint Michael the Archangel in his dual role as a celestial warrior and the judge of souls.
Michael is shown holding a pair of scales to weigh a human soul. A small demon is attempting to tip the scales in its favor, while the soul remains in prayer.
He raises a sword to strike down the dragon/devil at his feet, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
In the upper right, the narrative of Mount Gargano is depicted through the Bull Miracle," where a bull wandering into a cave is led to the discovery of the site that became the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo.
"Von sant Michel" is written in the Early New High German used by Koberger’s translators.
• The Content: It begins the hagiography (life story) of Saint Michael. It describes the appearance of the angel to the Bishop of Siponto and the miraculous events surrounding the consecration of the cave-church at Mount Gargano.
• Handwritten Note: There is a small contemporary or slightly later ink inscription in the left margin next to the initial "E." This suggests the leaf was once part of a volume that was actively read and annotated.
This illustration was designed in the Wolgemut and Pleydenwurff workshop. The dynamic movement of Michael's robes and the detailed landscape are hallmarks of the high-quality woodcutting that influenced a young Albrecht DĂĽrer during his apprenticeship there.
Some foxing and water staining at the edges, torn in places, but without loss.
205mm x 325mm
R3,000
