Notes from the Rare Book Room — The Nuremberg Chronicle
Birth of Adam
It is probable that many of the illustrations were the work of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) one of the most important artists of the renaissance. Because wood-cut blocks (like metal type) employ a raised printing surface (unlike engravings), the metal type and the wood blocks can be set in the same printing chase. The impressions made using this arrangement allow text and illustration to be shown side-by-side. The Nuremberg Chronicle contains over 645 distinct illustrations (with many illustrations used more than once), including a variety of biblical scenes, stylized cityscapes, iconic genealogic trees, battle depictions, and maps (the New World being conspicuous by its absence). The Hardin Library’s copy is available for examination in the rare book room.
