The Influence Of The Intellectual Movement Of The Renaissance On The Art Of Albrecht Durer

Abstract

This paper examines German-born artist Albrecht Dürer and his art as influenced by several intellectual movements of the Renaissance. The discussion of these influences is preceded by background information about Nuremberg and the development in general of Renaissance art and artists presented in order to clarify Dürer’s position in the Renaissance world of art. The two most important intellectual movements, Christian humanism and religious turmoil, are analyzed as are the historical figures involved in their development in Northern Europe, namely Erasmus of Rotterdam and Martin Luther, respectively. Lesser but significant attention is given to the influence of Dürer’s Venetian trips and his interest in Classical and scientific subjects. Finally, several of Dürer’s works are analyzed in light of the influences discussed.