Free Essays on Albrecht Durer

Albrecht Durer is known as the greatest German artist of the Renaissance. Durer was born in 1471 in Nuernberg, Germany. His parents were Hungarian emigrants who came to Germany in search of a better life. Durer began his career in Nuernberg, Germany with his father. His father was a Hungarian goldsmith who emigrated to Germany in 1455. Despite his father being a goldsmith, Durer began painting at the age of 14 in 1484. Durer soon became an apprentice in 1486 to a printmaker named Michel Wolgumut. Wolgumut taught Durer how to work with woodcuts and how to engrave into copper. Beginning in 1490 Durer traveled widely for study, including trips to Italy in 1494 and 1505-7 and to Antwerp and the Low Countries in 1520-1. During his visit to Venice on his second Italian trip Durer was especially influenced by Giovanni Bellini and Bellini's brother-in-law Andrea Mantegna. The period between his Italian trips was one of great productivity and artistic growth, characterized by his publication, 1496-8, of a portfolio of woodcuts, The Apocalypse of St. John. Scholars have suggested that the portfolio may have been intended as a veiled expression of support for the Reformation, with Babylon used as a surrogate for Rome. Beginning at least as early as 1512, Durer became portraitist to the rich and famous of his time, including Emperor Maximilian I and Christian II of Denmark. Other sitters included Jacob Fugger and other prominent merchants, clergy and government officials. He soon returned to Nuernberg, Germany where he died on April 6, 1528. Durer is considered by many as one of the best Renaissance artist of his time. His work can still be seen today hanging in some of the most famous museums in the entire world.... Free Essays on Albrecht Durer Free Essays on Albrecht Durer One artist that sits on a higher pedestal than many is Albrecht Durer. Recognized as the most famous artist of the Reformation period, he was brilliantly talented in many areas, Watercolor, Woodcuts and engraving to name a few. Albrecht Durer’s contribution to the Art world intrigues and fascinates us until this day. Durer was born in 1471 in Nuremburg, Germany. His father was a respected goldsmith and filled the office of â€Å"official assayer of precious metals†. (Hutchison 20) Recognized for his honesty and reputation he received many prestigious commendations. Durer the Elder, the skillful goldsmith, can be considered Durer’s first art instructor. At the young age of ten Durer the Elder taught his son the goldsmith’s technique. Many believed that the skillful handling of the engraver’s burin (a pointed steel cutting tool used by engravers) was the origin for his distinctive style, which rendered him a gifted artist with an eye for detail. The creation of Durer’s renowned self-portrait, developed while looking into a mirror at the young age of thirteen, was his first known contribution to the art world. Because of the portrait, his father recognized his young son’s natural ability for drawing. The portrait created in the Silverpoint technique, which reached its peak during the Renaissance period. This technique requires a soft, meticulous touch that generates a drawing with extremely fine lines. With the creation of a Silverpoint, a stylus with a metal form wire of, silver, copper, bronze or gold on a prepared â€Å"ground† surface is required. During the 15th century, the â€Å"ground† most likely consisted of white lead, ground bone combined with a glue size and tinted with pigment. The minute deposit of metal left on the â€Å"ground† produces a fine gray line by means of a chemical reaction on the primed surface. After oxidation, the resulting characteristic is a soft brown shade visible in the fine lines,... Free Essays on Albrecht Durer Albrecht Durer is known as the greatest German artist of the Renaissance. Durer was born in 1471 in Nuernberg, Germany. His parents were Hungarian emigrants who came to Germany in search of a better life. Durer began his career in Nuernberg, Germany with his father. His father was a Hungarian goldsmith who emigrated to Germany in 1455. Despite his father being a goldsmith, Durer began painting at the age of 14 in 1484. Durer soon became an apprentice in 1486 to a printmaker named Michel Wolgumut. Wolgumut taught Durer how to work with woodcuts and how to engrave into copper. Beginning in 1490 Durer traveled widely for study, including trips to Italy in 1494 and 1505-7 and to Antwerp and the Low Countries in 1520-1. During his visit to Venice on his second Italian trip Durer was especially influenced by Giovanni Bellini and Bellini's brother-in-law Andrea Mantegna. The period between his Italian trips was one of great productivity and artistic growth, characterized by his publication, 1496-8, of a portfolio of woodcuts, The Apocalypse of St. John. Scholars have suggested that the portfolio may have been intended as a veiled expression of support for the Reformation, with Babylon used as a surrogate for Rome. Beginning at least as early as 1512, Durer became portraitist to the rich and famous of his time, including Emperor Maximilian I and Christian II of Denmark. Other sitters included Jacob Fugger and other prominent merchants, clergy and government officials. He soon returned to Nuernberg, Germany where he died on April 6, 1528. Durer is considered by many as one of the best Renaissance artist of his time. His work can still be seen today hanging in some of the most famous museums in the entire world....