Albrecht Dürer (21 May 1471 – 6 April 1528) was a prominent German Renaissance artist, known for his highly detailed engravings, woodcuts, altarpieces, portraits, and watercolors. He is often considered one of the greatest artists of the Northern Renaissance.
Born in Nuremberg, Holy Roman Empire, Dürer was the third child and second son of Albrecht Dürer the Elder, a successful goldsmith, and Barbara Holler. His early training was in his father's workshop, but recognizing his son's talent for drawing, Albrecht Dürer the Elder arranged for him to apprentice with Michael Wolgemut, one of Nuremberg's leading artists, in 1486.
Dürer was not only an artist but also a theorist. He wrote several influential treatises:
Dürer's work had a profound influence on subsequent generations of artists in Europe. His innovative approach to printmaking, his contributions to the theory of art, and his meticulous detail in both his paintings and prints set standards that were followed by many artists. His self-promotion through his prints and writings also set a precedent for artists asserting their individuality and intellectual status.