Albrecht Durer was regarded as the greatest German Renaissance artist. His work includes altarpieces, portraits and self-portraits, engravings, and woodcuts.

Synopsis

German Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer was born May 21, 1471, in Nurnberg. In 1494 he traveled to Italy, where he remained until 1495. The trip had a strong effect on Durer; echoes of Italian art are apparent in most of his drawings, paintings, and graphics of the following decade. Italian influences were slower to take hold in his graphics than in his drawings and paintings. He died in 1528.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

Biography Newsletter

Sign up for the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives.

MORE STORIES FROM BIOGRAPHY

Paul-Klee-9366304-1-402

Paul Klee was a prolific Swiss and German artist best known for his large body of work, influenced by cubism, expressionism and surrealism.

Painter, Educator
(1879–1940)

Henri-Rousseau-9465420-1-402

The French artist Henri Rousseau (1844-1910) was a self-taught painter who became a friend of Picasso and an inspiration to the Paris avant-garde.

Painter
(1844–1910)

Raphael-41051-1-402

A leading figure of Italian High Renaissance classicism, Raphael is best known for his "Madonnas," including the Sistine Madonna, and for his large figure compositions in the Palace of the Vatican in Rome.

Architect, Painter
(1483–1520)

Rembrandt-9455125-1-402

Known for his self-portraits and biblical scenes, Dutch artist Rembrandt is considered to be one of the greatest painters in European history.

Painter
(1606–1669)

Michelangelo-9407628-1-402

Michelangelo is widely regarded as the most famous artist of the Italian Renaissance. Among his works are the "David" and "Pieta" statues and the Sistine Chapel frescoes.

Sculptor, Painter, Poet, Architect
(1475–1564)

Aaron-Douglas-39794-1-402

Aaron Douglas was an African-American painter and graphic artist who played a leading role in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.

Painter, Illustrator
(1899–1979)

Richard-Wagner-9521202-1-402

Richard Wagner is best known for creating several complex operas, including Tristan and Isolde and Ring Cycle, as well as for his anti-semitic writings.

Conductor, Composer
(1813–1883)

Peter-Kurten-17169742-1-402

German serial killer Peter Kürten, known as the "Dusseldorf Vampire", murdered at least nine people before surrendering to police in 1931.

Murderer
(1883–1931)

Richard-Strauss-9497013-1-402

Richard Strauss was a leading German classical composer of the late Romantic and early modern eras best known for his operas Der Rosenkavalier and Salome.

Composer
(1864–1949)