"Large Incunabula Page F°43 - By Rolevinck Werner - Fasciculus Temporum - Wood Engraved - 1481"
Rare page from a 15th century incunable. This is folio 43 of the Fasciculum Temporum by Werner Rolevinck published in 1481. This book seems to be the only one that was printed at the priory of Rougemont, in the diocese of Lausanne, built at the beginning of the 11th century by the monks of the Cluny Abbey at the request of Count William I of Gruyère. The page presents a large wood engraving (the largest in this book), representing Christ standing surrounded by his disciples and at the corners the four evangelists. This folio was pasted onto a sheet by the former owner (made in 1975). It is in good condition, a tear at the bottom right clearly visible in the photos. 29.6x19.6cm single sheet History of the book: First edition with additions by Henri Wirczburg de Vach. A true historical manual until the middle of the 16th century, this chronicle was published for the first time in Cologne in 1474 and reprinted numerous times. It is the work of Werner Rolevinck (1425-1502), Carthusian at the monastery of Saint Barbara in Cologne, originally from Laer in the diocese of Munster, Werner Rolevinck (1425-1502) became a Carthusian at the monastery of Saint Barbara in Cologne. Theologian and historiographer, he wrote around thirty works, of which the Fasciculus temporum remains the most famous. This edition is the first of the work which contains the additions of Henri Wirczburg de Vach, published by him at the priory of Rougemont. The publishing of only two other books is attributed to this Cluniac monk. Wirczburg notably added a long passage on the invention of printing, in 1457, which previous editions only mentioned very briefly. This book seems to be the only one that was printed at the priory of Rougemont, in the diocese of Lausanne. This precious incunable is illustrated with thirty woodcuts engraved in the text, notably representing Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, the destruction of Troy, the monastery of Cluny, etc. In f. 43, a large wood represents Christ surrounded by his disciples and, at the corners, the four evangelists.