Artist: Old Master (unknown)
Year: 1500
Medium: Original woodcut with extensive hand coloring. Original German text on the verso.
Description: An extremely rare and important impression from ‘Legend Aurea’, executed c. 1500
This exceptionally rare woodcut from the Legend Aurea stands as a vivid testament to the devotional art and printing culture of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Executed around 1500 by an anonymous Old Master, the work embodies the transition from medieval manuscript tradition to the emerging world of printed imagery. Its extensive hand coloring — still remarkably preserved — reveals the care with which early printers and colorists sought to elevate these sacred scenes beyond simple illustration, transforming them into objects of reverence and beauty.
The Legend Aurea, or Golden Legend, was one of the most widely read texts of the medieval world, and woodcuts such as this served as visual gateways into the lives of saints for a public newly empowered by the spread of printed books. The crisp linework, expressive detailing, and original German text on the verso all speak to the craftsmanship of early print workshops, where artistry and theology intertwined to shape the spiritual imagination of Europe.
Surviving examples of this quality are exceedingly scarce. The combination of fine condition, rich hand coloring, and historical significance makes this impression not only a compelling artifact of early printmaking but also a museum‑worthy piece of cultural heritage. It offers a rare opportunity to encounter the devotional art of 500 years ago with a vividness and immediacy that time has not diminished.
Condition: Very Fine to Excellent
Image size: 165 mm x 240 mm
Museum quality framing: Included
Frame size: 26 3/4” w x 29 3/4” h
Certificate of Authenticity: Included
Shipping: FedEx ground only. Usually ships within 3 business days.
Returns: Please see our Returns & Inspection Policy in the FAQ.
Artist: Old Master (unknown)
Year: 1500
Medium: Original woodcut with extensive hand coloring. Original German text on the verso.
Description: An extremely rare and important impression from ‘Legend Aurea’, executed c. 1500
This exceptionally rare woodcut from the Legend Aurea stands as a vivid testament to the devotional art and printing culture of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Executed around 1500 by an anonymous Old Master, the work embodies the transition from medieval manuscript tradition to the emerging world of printed imagery. Its extensive hand coloring — still remarkably preserved — reveals the care with which early printers and colorists sought to elevate these sacred scenes beyond simple illustration, transforming them into objects of reverence and beauty.
The Legend Aurea, or Golden Legend, was one of the most widely read texts of the medieval world, and woodcuts such as this served as visual gateways into the lives of saints for a public newly empowered by the spread of printed books. The crisp linework, expressive detailing, and original German text on the verso all speak to the craftsmanship of early print workshops, where artistry and theology intertwined to shape the spiritual imagination of Europe.
Surviving examples of this quality are exceedingly scarce. The combination of fine condition, rich hand coloring, and historical significance makes this impression not only a compelling artifact of early printmaking but also a museum‑worthy piece of cultural heritage. It offers a rare opportunity to encounter the devotional art of 500 years ago with a vividness and immediacy that time has not diminished.
Condition: Very Fine to Excellent
Image size: 165 mm x 240 mm
Museum quality framing: Included
Frame size: 26 3/4” w x 29 3/4” h
Certificate of Authenticity: Included
Shipping: FedEx ground only. Usually ships within 3 business days.
Returns: Please see our Returns & Inspection Policy in the FAQ.
