HARTMANN SCHEDEL (1440-1514)
Liber chronicarum
1493RCIN 1071477
The Nuremberg artists Michael Wolgemut (c.1434/7 – 1519) and Wilhelm Pleyedenwurff (c.1450 – 94) who produced this woodcut followed the description of the Garden of Eden in the Book of Genesis closely. The Tree of Knowledge (centre) is presented as an apple tree, and the Tree of Life (right) as the distinctive Dragon tree (Draecena). The Dragon tree exuded a form of resin which was believed to have life-giving properties. The Fountain of Life is depicted in the form of a medieval garden fountain, with water spouting from a carved mask.