The 16th Century: Vulgate and Vernacular
Publishing in the 16th century is represented by ornate pages from the classic Vulgate Bible, written in Latin, as well as early editions of Martin Luther's vernacular German translation.
A leaf from the German book Ship of Fools demonstrates the marked similarities between literary and Biblical illustrations of the time, especially in the clothing associated with medieval scenes. This theme parallels the Bible’s increased accessibility to common Germans due to Martin Luther’s translation.
Leaf from the Latin Vulgate Bible, Nuremberg, Germany
Printed Movable Type with Woodcut Illustration, Non-Contemporary Illumination, c. 1520
This edition of the Vulgate Bible was printed by Jacques Sacon for the Koberger publishing house in Nuremberg, Germany in 1520. The woodcut illustration on this leaf containing the prologue to the Vulgate Bible appears to depict a monk copying passages of scripture to create a new manuscript. This image combines medieval European printing practices with religious imagery and activities.
Leaf from "Ship of Fools", German
Printed Leaf with Woodcut Illustration, c. 1520
Written by Sebastian Brant, this copy of Ship of Fools, also published in 1520, is a German-language book that features illustrations of characters in typical medieval costumes. The illustration on this leaf is a woodcut print that was not colored in depicting a crowd of commoners riding the aforementioned ship. This leaf demonstrates the typical printing and illustrating of a secular German book in the early 16th century.
Virgil Solis Folio Leaf, Nuremberg, Germany
Printed Leaf with Woodcut Illustration, c. 1540
Much like the page from Ship of Fools, this leaf, featuring a woodcut illustration of the Bible story of David and Absalom by Virgil Solis, was never colored in and depicts its characters in classic medieval clothing. This time, the Biblical figures are drawn in knights’ armor and shown wielding lances. Unlike the Vulgate Bible’s delicate, ornate illustrations, the vernacular Martin Luther Bible is designed like other books that would have appealed to everyday Germans.
Notes
All images, titles, and descriptions taken from the Valdosta State University Archives & Special Collections digitized Tatler-Burgess Collection.
