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ALBRECHT
DURER was born on May 21st, 1471. Durer was
probably the greatest German painter and printmaker
of his time doing most of his work during the
Renaissance era. Despite his humble beginnings
as a goldsmith, Durer had begun an apprenticeship
to the painter and printmaker Michael Wolgumut
in 1486. Beginning in 1490 Durer travelled widely,
including many trips to Italy. During his visit
to Venice on his second Italian trip Durer was
especially influenced by Giovanni Bellini.
Beginning around 1512, Durer became portraitist
to the rich and famous of his time, including
Emperor Maximilian, and Christian II of Denmark.
Other sitters included Jacob Fugger and other
prominent merchants, clergy and government officials.
His vast body of work includes altarpieces and
religious works, numerous portraits and self-portraits,
and copper engravings. Durer had an impressive
Italian influence to his work and he was a very
intelligent scholarly man.
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