SPECULUM HUMANAE SALVATIONIS («Mirror of Human Salvation»). - An exposition of the history of human Redemption in 45 chapters of rhymed verses, embellished with miniatures and later with woodcuts (symbolic scenes drawn also from secular history), and enriched with Biblia pauperum (v.).
A work from the beginning of the 14th century, attributed to Dominicans of Strasbourg or Ludolfo di Sassonia (v.), disseminated in a great many manuscript copies (ca. 300), not a few of them adorned with illuminated bands bearing inscriptions. These decorations are deeply influenced by the Flemish style, and the symbolic scenes are also found reproduced in the stained-glass windows of certain churches in the Rhineland.
Its first editions are regarded as the earliest example of printing illustrated with woodcuts.