Albrecht Dürer

Printmaker, Draftsman, Painter and Designer (1471 - 1528 Nuremberg, Germany). "In Venice, I am treated as a nobleman. . . . Here I really am somebody, whereas at home I am just a hack."

Dürer is well regarded as a painter, but it his remarkable work as a graphic artist and the influence he had on art history which makes him so important. He is given credit for bringing the Italian Renaissance to Germany and other northern European countries.

His father was a goldsmith, and the young Dürer began training to follow in his footsteps. He also trained as a painter and woodcutter. His early training in metal work laid the basis for his meticulous attention to detail. In 1495 he made his first visit to Italy, traveling to Venice, which made a profound change in the direction of his work. Upon return to Germany, he emersed himself in the study of mathematics, geometry, Latin and humanist literature and his subsequent work reflected this broadening education and awareness. Painting was not profitable in Germany at this time because of the powerful Lutheran reformers disdain for most religious art, so Dürer concentrated on engravings and woodcuts.In 1498 he published "The Apocalypse", considered the first book ever produced solely by an artist. It included woodcuts illustrating the Book of Revelation. Its vivid imagery, superior draftsmanship, and complex iconography established his reputation.

After visiting Italy again from 1505 to 1507, Dürer's art became even more influenced by the Renaissance. His drawings included studies of hands, draperies, and costume, portraits, Madonnas, and intimate and detailed watercolor studies of nature. Despite the impressive scope of his workshop, Dürer left no direct successors as was common practice throughout Europe. Yet many did succed him. Since his prints and books, unlike the commissioned paintings and murals, were easily transportable and artists everywhere admired and copied Dürer's work.

In his fifties, Dürer turned more of his attention and talent toward instruction, publishing illustrated ground breaking treaties on perspective and proportion. From early in his life, Dürer became aware of the significance of his fame and contribution to the world of art. His many self-portraits show the humanist in a gentle Christ-life aura.

The above drawing "Rhinocerus" was done by Durer without ever having seen one. His rendition is based upon a description in a letter he received from a friend who had. (h/t G.P. Cox)