A distinguishing feature of the Chronicle is its family trees, which are dispersed throughout the text. Schedel and Wolgemut depict the holy family lineage at the beginning of the Chronicle, while including lineages of recent secular rulers in the “sixth age” section, which details history after the death of Christ. Each branch of the family tree sprouts directly from the mother’s womb, leading to her children and their respective spouses. Family trees serve as a less conventional form of mapping in the Chronicle, allowing the reader to visually trace both secular and religious history through kinship and lineage.
Compared to other pedigrees in the Chronicle, the first family tree is exceptional. The first branch sprouts from Adam’s chest leading to images of his children: Cain, Abel, and Seth. This is likely a reference to Genesis 2:22, which describes the woman, Eve, as arising from the rib of Adam. However, Eve is omitted from this family tree, implying Adam as the true origin of mankind.