Pisa / Das drit alter

Title

Pisa / Das drit alter

Description

Depiction of the city of Pisa in Italy; the reverse side shows a crown, sceptre and orb twice. Printed by Anton Koberger in Nuremberg in 1493.

ca. 1493

Artist

Schedel (1440-1515)

Hartmann Schedel (1440–1515) from Nuremberg is best known for the 1493 publication of the Schedel’s World Chronicle (Liber chronicarum), a universal history featuring 1,809 woodcuts—making it the most richly illustrated book of early printing. The chronicle, written in Latin by Schedel for merchants Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister, was translated into German by Georg Alt and printed by Anton Koberger. The illustrations came from the workshop of Michael Wolgemut and Wilhelm Pleydenwurff. The work covers world history up to 1492/93, divided into eight ages of the world, and draws on numerous sources, including Jacobus Foresta and Enea Silvio Piccolomini. Notably, it features highly accurate city views, many depicted in detail for the first time. Pleydenwurff introduced a new perspective by portraying cities from a fixed viewpoint, emphasizing their unique architectural and landscape features. The project was funded in part by the patron Sebald Schreyer.

Historical Description

Pisa is one of the oldest cities in Italy and is located on the Arno River in the region of Tuscany. As early as ancient times, Pisa was an important settlement of the Etruscans and later of the Romans. During the Middle Ages, Pisa developed into a powerful maritime republic and, between the 11th and 13th centuries, became one of the most important trading and naval powers in the Mediterranean. Together with Venice, Genoa, and Amalfi, Pisa was one of the four great Italian Maritime Republics. The wealth generated during this period made it possible to construct many magnificent buildings. The city's most famous landmark is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, whose characteristic tilt began during its construction in the 12th century due to the soft ground beneath its foundations.