Leaf from the Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum) 1493

This leaf comes from the Nuremberg Chronicle (Liber Chronicarum), published in 1493. It is one of the most famous, most densely illustrated, and technically complex books of the 15th century, specifically dealing with Pope Gregory V; Pope Sylvester II; Otto 3 (Holy Roman Emperor Otto III).

Printed by Anton Koberger in Nuremberg, this was a "World History" that attempted to document human history from the Creation to the year 1493. The Chronicle is famous for its specific layout integrating circular portraits (roundels) of Popes, Emperors, and Kings directly into the columns of text.

The "Anno mundi" (Year of the World) dates at the top of the grid (6193, 6202) alongside the "Anno Christi" dates (992, 1009). The Chronicle tracked history using both the biblical timeline and the modern calendar.

The entries describe the lives, deeds, and often the "bad ends" of various rulers and religious figures. It’s essentially an encyclopedia of the medieval mind.

This is leaf number "83" (or LXXXIII).

Creased at the edges.

260mm x 320mm

R4,000