Johannes Brugmannus (or Johannem Brugman). – [Incunabula] Vita S. Liedewye. illustrated Dutch Hagiography. – 1498-1498

A DUTCH ILLUSTRATED INCUNABULUM THAT WILL NEVER APPEAR ON THE MARKET AGAIN.BRUGMANNUS, Johannes (or Johannem Brugman). Vita S. Liedewye. (or Liedwinae) Schiedam : [Printer of the 'Vita Lydwinae' (Otgier Nachtegael?)], 1498. Small quarto. 20.5 x 14 cm. Contemporary binding, spine re-laid. 124 leaves. First 12 leaves and H6 in expert facsimile on incunable paper. 18 contemporary hand-coloured woodcuts. Goff B1220; HC 4002; ib01220000The narrative of this incunabulum is fascinating (where else can we find a priest who recommends suicide to his parishioner), its woodcuts are unique (not the typical fanfare of saints), and the book itself is incredibly rare, printed in one edition only. THE STORY Liedewy, the Virgin of Schiedam (1380-1433), has been admired and venerated over the centuries as a national saint of the Netherlands (and the patron saint of ice-skaters). The events surrounding Liedewy and her life aroused great interest, especially among the circles of the Modern Devotion. Within a few decades after her death, four biographies had already been written, three in Latin and one in Middle Dutch. In 1456, Johannes Brugman wrote the Vita alme virginis Lijdwine and turned the story into a hagiography, adding elements that fit the biography of a saint. For example,... lees verder bij Catawiki