Johann Schönsperger the Elder

Johann Schönsperger the Elder is documented as an artist active across the expansive period of 1489 to 1947, a timeframe reflecting both his historical contributions to late 15th-century printing and the subsequent cataloging of his work in modern institutions. His output primarily consists of woodcut prints used for textual illustration, covering religious, historical, and scientific subject matter foundational to the early age of printmaking.

Seven prints attributed to Schönsperger are represented in museum collections, confirming his role in creating some of the most enduring imagery of his era. These holdings include illustrations extracted from important contemporary publications. Noteworthy religious works include Saint Quiriaco from Heiligenleben (Lives of the Saints) and The Parable of the Unjust Steward from Plenarium. Schönsperger’s contributions to illustrated scholarship are also evidenced by Figwort (recto), and Bloodroot (verso), from Gart der Gesundheit (Garden of Health), which showcases botanical documentation. His historical narratives feature prominently in the depictions of Babylon from Schedel Weltchronik (Schedel's World History) and Bishops, Prophets, and Kings from Schedel Weltchronik (Schedel's World History).

Examples of Johann Schönsperger the Elder prints are preserved in major North American institutions, including the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Because these early graphic works are frequently considered public domain, researchers can access high-quality prints of the illustrations for further study and appreciation of 15th-century craft.