Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Not impressed
Because this book was a reasonable size I expected bigger reproductions. Most of the prints are a mere 3x5". If I live in the states I would have sent the book back.

Poor quality reproductions
If only the reproductions were half as good as the originals.I kept it but had I known the quality was this poor I would have skipped it.

An excellent overview of master works
Albrecht Durer was a Master artist in many forms and this book does justice to his work.It has excellent plates and detailed text, and is a worthy addition to any library, expecially one which concentrates on fine art books.

If you are not familiar with the works of Durer, this is an excellent introduction.His attention to detail is unsurpassed in an artist of his time.If you are already an admirer, the text will give you some insights into his life and times that you had not before been aware of.It is a good quality book and well worth the purchase.

Great source book
This is a wonderful source book for all of Durer's graphic work and should be in every one's library interested in master prints. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic text presents the life, times, and works of Albrecht Dürer. Through the skill and immense knowledge of Erwin Panofsky, the reader is dazzled not only by Dürer the artist but also Dürer in a wide array of other roles, including mathematician and scientific thinker. Originally published in 1943 in two volumes, The Life and Art of Albrecht Dürer met with such wide popular and scholarly acclaim that it led to three editions and then, in 1955, to the first one-volume edition. Without sacrifice of text or illustrations, the book was reduced to this single volume by the omission of the Handlist and Concordance. The new introduction by Jeffrey Chipps Smith reflects upon Panofsky the man, the tumultuous circumstances surrounding the creation of his masterful monograph, its innovative contents, and its early critical reception. Erwin Panofsky was one of the most important art historians of the twentieth century. Panofsky taught for many years at Hamburg University but was forced by the Nazis to leave Germany. He joined the faculty at the Institute for Advanced Study in 1935, where he spent the remainder of his career and wrote The Life and Art of Albrecht Dürer. He developed an iconographic approach to art and interpreted works through an analysis of symbolism, history, and social factors.

This book, one of his most important, is a comprehensive study of painter and printmaker Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), the greatest exponent of northern European Renaissance art. Although an important painter, Dürer was most renowned for his graphic works. Artists across Europe admired and copied his innovative and powerful prints, ranging from religious and mythological scenes to maps and exotic animals. The book covers Dürer's entire career in exacting detail. With multiple indexes and more than three hundred illustrations, it has served as an indispensable reference, remaining crucial to an understanding of the work of the great artist and printmaker. Subsequent Dürer studies have necessarily made reference to Panofsky's masterpiece. Panofsky's work continues to be admired for the author's immense erudition, subtlety of appreciation, technical knowledge, and profound analyses.

Customer Reviews (4)

Looking for good reproductions? Don't get this one.
I was immensely disappointed when I received this book. I was aware that it was an art critic book, and not all focused on the actual works of Dürer, but still: The reproductions are poor excuses for illustrations. I don't think I've ever seen worse. This is a book for people who are interested in Panofsky's theories, not mainly interested in making up their own minds.

An essential classic in Durer studies
While Panofsky may seem indigestible to some - this is not a book for the "general reader" - this book remains essential material for anyone researching any aspect of Durer's career. It is written in more accessible prose than some of Panofsky's other works, since he concentrates more on straight monographic information than on deep interpretation.

The book takes us through Durer's career in chronological order. It is easy to look up specific works and their contexts (there are handy indices as well). It's comprehensiveness makes it a really useful book to have on hand. All Durer studies after this one necessarily make reference to what Panofsky said.

As a monograph this is, hence, extremely succesful. It is also a product of its time and of Panofsky's method. Newer studies, such as Joseph Koerner's "The Moment of self-portraiture in german renaissance art", probe deeper into some of the themes about which the reader may be left wondering upon reading Panofsky.

Durer is arguably THE most important artist of the German Renaissance; Panosfky the most important art historian of our time. Read the book!

Unen-Durer-able
Erwin Panofsky was one of the founders of modern art criticism and a very learned man who wrote many books on such abtruse subjects as the difference between iconography and iconology with all the seriousness of a central European academic.

This lavishly illustrated work on the great German Renaissance painter and print-maker, Albrecht Durer (1471 - 1528), starts with a reasonably good introduction, mentioning the differing historical views on Durer, such as the belief common among 19th-century German Romanticists that he was a meek and pious soul wholly devoted to the interpretation of Christian subjects and contented with a quiet and dependent life.

This picture of a pedantic, conservative craftsman is countered by a suggestion that there might have been a Faustian element in Durer's nature, typified by a restless craving for a perfection never to be attained and an acute awareness of irresolvable artistic problems.

Unfortunately, this lively opening is not lived up to. Panofsky's treatment of the biographical details of Durer's life - including the revelationn that he was unhappily married - leads to a long, shapeless, rambling account, governed more by the intricate chronology of Durer's artistic production than any profound sense of the man himself.

There is no denying Panofsky's erudition. He definitely has all the colors on his mental palette. But like a bad painter he mixes all the hues together in a messy attempt to show off how vast and detailed his knowledge is. An intrinsically fascinating subject is thus rendered increasingly murky and morass-like by Panofsky's inability to make clear points or structure the rich detail of his knowledge. This work is the classic example of a book written by an academic with his nose too deeply buried in his subject. A strong editor would have been a godsend.

Definitive
This is surely the definitive book on German renaissance artist Albrecht Durer (still justly famous in this century for his engravings "Knight, Death and the Devil," which a baby-boomer friend had as a poster onhis wall, and "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse").Thecollection of reproductions of Durer's work, and that of contemporariesthat influenced him, is extraordinary, taking up much of the volume'srather sizable girth.My only significant complaint is that I wish therehad been at least a few color reproductions. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Enspired by the Art of Albrecht Durer
When I was in high school I found myself doodeling alot.Getting into trouble from being side tracked with school work.I went to the school library and was looking at books of art and found a specific book byAlbrecht Durer.I have looked through many books of art but none has evercaught my attention like this one.No other book has been of interestsince.I checked out the book several times to learn his art and itinspired me to take my doodeling to the next level.I have never forgothis name or his art and I never will.I rate this book a 5 star, the bestinspiring book, a book that sent me on my way to art. ... Read more

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Book Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Durer x Durer
The visuals contained in this book by Durer are very very good. It gives you a great idea of what type of talent this man had. There is a very nice transition from his earlier work to the later noticeable due to the intricate detail woodcut by woodcut. If you are a fan of Durer, or wanted to know what he was capable of creating, I highly suggest checking this one out.

Classic
This book is 346 pages, not 44 as listed.Dover has a newer edition.Durer masterworks.

Excellent Compilation
This is the best compilation of Duerer prints I have ever seen. Duerer's talent is really downplayed in the avant-guarde scene today, but if you just look, you'll have instant appreciation. My only dissapointment was that the book does not include all of Duerer's Revelation woodcuts, which are my favorites. Anyway, I suggest you look into this book--it is amazing.

Spectacular talent
Albrecht Durer was one of the most talented artists the world has ever seen, and his woodcuts, especially those of apocolyptic visions are spectacular.This book reproduces these woodcuts faithfully, and the images are not diminished by the format of the book as is often the case.

These images are the stuff of nightmares - hell, torment, torture and death, and yet the images are so startlingly realistic as to be almost poignant in their representations.Enjoyt the images for what they are - works of genius.In addition the commentary is worthwhile, with interesting observations of Durer's life and techniques.

A valuable addition to an art lover's library, but also a fascinating book for anyone who is interested in genius.

timeless evil
The woodcuts in this book leap out at you with a ferocious and violentintent. I've seen the originals and the reproduction job here is nothingshort of superb. It's hard to believe that such visions of the apocolypsecome from Germany in the early part of the millenium. You can't miss thisbook! The engraving book is also way kool. ... Read more

Book Description

Albrecht Dürer is the most significant and admired artist of the northern Renaissance. Tracing his work and influence from his earliest career to his powerful posthumous role within German culture, this richly illustrated book surveys all of the artist's best-known prints as well as numerous drawings and watercolors.

The catalogue of a greatly anticipated exhibition of Dürer's work in England--including loans of many precious works rarely seen by the public--the volume features 85 color and 267 black-and-white illustrations. It follows Dürer's career from his first work in the medieval tradition of Martin Schongauer, through his Italian education in the classical tradition, to his sophisticated development of the woodcut and engraving techniques that changed the history of printmaking. The book examines Dürer's long-lived influence, from the obsession of artists and collectors with his work during the late sixteenth century to the iconic status he acquired amid the rise of German nationalism in the nineteenth. It considers how the popularity of his images migrated into a range of materials as diverse as porcelain and banknotes. This assessment of his art and legacy concludes with a contemplation of Dürers famous print, Melancholia, written by the Nobel Prize-winning German novelist Günter Grass, himself a printmaker.

Offering a much-needed fresh look at the work of a major Renaissance artist, this handsome book is certain to deepen the broad international appreciation that Dürer's work already enjoys.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

The British Museum
December 5, 2002 - March 23, 2003

Product Description
This Elibron Classics edition is a facsimile reprint of a 1870 edition by Macmillan and Co., London. ... Read more

Book Description
A beautifully illustrated survey of Drer's work ... Read more

Book Description
Albrecht Drer (1471-1528) was one of the world's great artistic geniuses, unique among his contemporaries in his ability to translate the basic principles of the Italian Renaissance into the northern European style to which he was born. In addition, he was an exemplary figure of the early Reformation: one of the first people to become interested in Martin Luther's writings, he also counted most of Germany's leading humanists among his friends. This major biography links Drer's artistic development to his personal life and to the turbulent history of pre-Reformation Europe. "An informative and engrossing narrative."--Ellen Shultz, The New York Times Book Review ". . . this masterful tabulation of the known facts of Drer's life is both readable and authoritative, and it provides the fullest assortment of well-translated documents since William Martin Conway. Hutchison has long been acknowledged as a leading scholar of German prints and their makers, and her text extends its biographical mission to provide instructive asides about the intellectual and cultural milieu of Drer's Nuremberg."--Larry Silver, Sixteenth Century Journal ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent peek into the world of Durer
After collecting my 15th Durer book I found a friend who was travelling to Germany and asked for a book IN GERMAN about Durer. The book she brought was actually the book written in english and translated to German. I was delighted! This caused me to reread the english and follow along, as best I could, with the german text. What a pleasure and an underscore to how multitalented and unenjoyed Durer is. From a precocious 12 year old {doing one of the first recognized self portaits} to a traveller of the world, seeker of perspective truth and with humor at his side {read his letters to his friend Pirckhiemer}. Jane C.Hutchinson tells a story worth reading whether you are an artist or just someone who recognizes beauty.

Excellent peek into the world of Durer
After collecting my 15th Durer book I found a friend who was travelling toGermany and asked for a book IN GERMAN about Durer.The book she broughtwas actually the book written in english and translated to German. I wasdelighted! This caused me to reread the english and follow along, as best Icould, with the german text.What a pleasure and an underscore to howmultitalented and unenjoyed Durer is.From a precocious 12 year old {doingone of the first recognized self portaits} to a traveller of the world,seeker of perspective truth and with humor at his side {read his letters tohis friend Pirckhiemer}. Jane C.Hutchinson tells a story worth readingwhether you are an artist or just someone who recognizes beauty. ... Read more

Book Description
Germany's greatest Renaissance artist Though he is most famous for his engravings, Albrecht D?rer (1471-1528) was also a master painter and draftsman whose work exemplifies the spirit of German art. D?rer's importance in the German High Renaissance was such that he can be considered to embody the movement entirely. His visits to Italy (where he studied most notably with Giovanni Bellini) had a profound effect on his artistic development and enabled him to combine both German and Italian influences in his work. In his later life, D?rer's passion for knowledge and progress led him to research and write on the subjects of art theory and mathematics, making him not only the greatest Northern European artist of his time, but also one of its leading thinkers. This overview of D?rer's entire oeuvre?covering his oil, tempera, and watercolor paintings, copper and wood engravings, and his drawings and sketches?is the perfect introduction to his work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent short book on Durer
Taschen's artist series varies, but all are certainly carefully turned out little books, filled with nicely designed formats and excelletn printing.
This book on Durer is an example of the better ones. The author begins right at what for me is the pinnacle of Durer's art - his charcoal drawing of his mother near death, a supreme work of realism, and one of the most powerful portraits in art. A wealth of material is covered without too much difficulty, rather an accomplishment, as Durer's worl is myriad and tricky to get a handle on.
Highly recommended, though Art History majors and readers up to a challenge should step up to the far more complex studies of Durer byPanofsky and, especially, the more recent one by Joseph Koerner, The Moment of Self-Portraiture in German Renaissance Art, this latter now in paperback. Koerner's book also has a fine discussion of the misunderstood and very underappreciated art of Hans Baldung Grien. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Description
"Thirty postcards highlight Durer's wide-ranging oeuvre including detailed nature studies, portraits and motifs from his extensive graphic work.In full-color."--StrandBooks ... Read more

Book Description
Introducing Prestel Art Guides: attractive, affordable and authoritative. What more could you want from a reference book?

Designed to slip into a pocket, backpack or purse, and written to deliver concise information, these new guides to the world's major artists are a handy reference tool. Open any page of these guides and you'll find a host of facts and illustrations clearly presented in eye-catching spreads.

Compare and contrast details of artworks. Learn about the artist's life and times. Follow the evolution of a career. Discover where his or her works can be found today. Enhanced with glossaries, bibliographies, and maps, the guides are printed on heavy, coated paper with a flexible cover that is durable enough to withstand repeated use. With this much information made accessible, Prestel's new Art Guides are certain to be opened again and again. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great new study of Du"rer
A new and innovative approach to Albrecht Du"rer, with insightful observations on the role of religion in his work. Nicely illustrated.The author has an excellent knowledge and "feel" for Du"rer's art, and also knows the cultural history of the time and understands Du"rer's relationship to the reformation and to the humanist movement. Highly recommended. ... Read more