This is the 8th post in our Artist of the Week series.
A German painter, and perhaps one of the most prominent artists of the Renaissance era was born in 1471. After his schooling Albrecht began training to become a goldsmith like his father, but he showed such skill in drawing, that he took on an apprenticeship to another artist instead.
In 1495 he opened his own workshop and began making woodcuts and engravings, these would then be turned into prints. Prints were highly portable and they gradually expanded Durer's reputation all over Europe. In 1505, he left his shop to travel to Italy. It was here that his focus would turn toward painting.
By the time he returned home in 1507 he had begun work on his greatest masterpieces. These were some of the most magnificent paintings of the renaissance including Adam and Eve. His work was so well known that he was in friendly communication with other great artists of the period including Leonardo and Raphael. From then until the end of his life his paintings and engravings were always in high demand, even if they were not widely present in Italy.
Today he is most known for his progressive influence in engraving and wood carving, but his paintings are always at the forefront of his popularity because of their ability to blend Italian and German styles.
To learn more about Albrecht Durer visit Artcyclopedia.com
