The Italian Renaissance is conventionally thought of as the historical period that bore witness to the rise of the individual. Yet no other artist of the time begins to compare with Albrecht Durer in terms of the almost obsessive interest he displayed in depicting his life, his dreams and his surroundings in his art.

Exploring Durer's life and times, the natural world in his work, and his studies, travel and influences, David Ekserdjian closely examines Durer's paintings, as well as his drawings and prints, which are often comparatively overlooked. Revealing Durer's remarkable, unique status, both in his own time and across the centuries, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in Renaissance or northern European art.