Hercules and the Stymphalian Birds

Durer was born in Nuremberg Germany in 1471. His father, a goldsmith, would be the first art teacher to his son. After studying with his father, Durer would next study with a local master learning the trade of engraving woodcuts for various illustrations. At that time
Nuremberg and southern Germany was a center for publishing. Woodcuts and engravings were used in creating illustrations for the documents published there.

16th century German art was in part influenced by the Gothic style of the Middle Ages and by the current religious movement: the Reformation and the teachings of Martin Luther.

With the Renaissance in full swing in Italy, Germany and other northern European countries established more trade with the southern regions of Europe. Renaissance humanist ideas began to intermingle with the northern European style of rich, detailed figural and still life compositions. Many Germans found the two styles difficult to reconcile, and Durer would be one of the first to successfully merge the two. When Durer finished his apprenticeship he began to travel throughout Germany looking for work and learning the local painting and engraving styles of different regions. After traveling to Italy, Durer studied the theoretical writings of ancient scholars like Virtruvias. This Roman writer was concerned with the problem of human proportions and how to portray them accurately in art. By combining what he had learned from the different German styles with all that he had seen and studied in Italy, Durer was able to combine classical aspects to northern style painting.

During his lifetime Durer, like the later Rembrandt, would paint a number of self portraits. This, also like Rembrandt, showed his lifelong curiosity with self exploration and with his role as an artist.

Like many of the great masters of the Renaissance, Durer worked for the leaders of Europe including the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.