Homage to Albrecht Durer Essay -- Biography

Albrecht Durer is known as one of the most gifted painters and engravers of the German Renaissance period. His works are known throughout the world and have inspired artists to not only study and learn his techniques but also to broaden his techniques, expanding his already famous style. Albrecht Durer was born on May 21, 1471 in the city of Nuremberg, Germany. His parents were Albrecht Durer and Barbara Holper. â€Å"His father was a successful goldsmith, originally named Ajtà ³si, who in 1455 had moved to Nuremberg from Ajtà ³s, Hungary†(Strieder). His Father married Barbara Holper who was actually the daughter of his goldsmith master. Durer was one of fourteen to eighteen brothers and sisters, many of which died young. At the age of thirteen Durer was educated at the Lateinschule in St Lorenz and also worked as an apprentice under his father and was fortunate enough to be familiar and have relationships with some of the greatest metal smiths of his generation. When Durer turned fourteen he began approaching his father with his paintings, hoping that if his father realized his artistic ability and skill he would let him study painting. There was a compromise; Durer was able to study his art after he mastered the goldsmith trade. His father showed him as much as he could and all of painting that he knew, until Durer’s skills soon surpassed his fathers. In 1486 Durer became an apprentice painter and woodcut artist to Michael Wolgemut. â€Å"Wolgemut was a leader among the artists revitalizing the standards of German woodcut at the time, providing the many publishers in Nuremberg with book illustrations†(Hapgood). His woodcuts followed the developments in engraving to portray volume and shading to a much greater degree than before. A... ...ng Hare, drawn a year before The Great Turf. Durer enjoyed his studies of realistic nature and always pushed himself almost to the edge of realism but holding back by adding a touch of abstract to add contrast. Artists pay homage to other artists all the time, either out of respect for the artist or to give tribute to their often unique style. Many artists believe it add a depth to their artwork that they alone cannot add so by using someone elses work to inspire or to enhance their own piece. Also by using the same or similar techniques it can add a sense of history or story to an art piece. Many artists have paid homage to Albrecht Durer. Homage for his many styles and homage for his many technique, from his engravings, to his water colours. One homage given to Durer is by Karen Kitchel through her piece â€Å"American Grasslands† in reference to â€Å"The Great Turf†.