Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam
Reuerendissimo in xpo patri et d no d no Bertholdo sancte Mag uti n sedis archiespiscopo Sacri Romani Imperij per Germani a archicancellario ac principe electori d no suo gratiosissimo Bernhardus de Breydenbach dicte ecclesie Maguntine n. decanus simul et camerarius obedientiam promptam et deuot a.
Bernhard von Breydenbach was a high-ranking cleric from Mainz, Germany. Using his personal fortune, he recruited Erhard Reuwich, a painter from Utrecht, the Netherlands, to join him on a journey to the Holy Land. Upon their return, Breydenbach and Reuwich collaborated to produce this seminal work. Breydenbach wrote the text, and Reuwich created the woodcuts depicting cityscapes and other views. The book was produced using the very latest printing techniques. For example, it was reportedly the first book to incorporate folding plates—a necessity, as the panorama of Venice folds out to 1.62 meters. Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam (Journey to the Holy Land) was also the first book which identified its illustrator (Reuwich) in print. The volume is a wonderfully executed incunabulum with beautiful gilt edges.
This is a late 15th-century volume that was later bound in full leather. The front board is attached with six sewing cords, four of which have broken. The textblock and illustrations are in good condition. Conservators will repair the partially detached front cover, and they will consolidate the leather on the back cover.
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Adoption Type: Preserve for the Future
