Among the greatest artistic expressions of all time, the woodcuts of German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer bring to life iconic religious themes and secular subjects. Rendered in a unique perspective and exacting detail, this complete collection of all Dürer woodcuts traces his creative development from his years as an apprentice in Nuremburg beginning in 1486 to his last works in the fi rst quarter of the 16th century.

During this span he created many now-famous works depicting sacred motifs, such as the Life of the Virgin, The Revelations of Saint John, Samson Killing the Lion, the Great Passion, and The Last Supper. His equally profound woodcuts of secular subjects include portraits, vivid depictions of mythical creatures, and studies of court and village life, and of animals and the human form. Presented in approximate chronological order, the collection follows the evolution of Dürer's skill and style as, over time, he portrayed images in a freer and less crowded perspective.

A guide to the plates by Dr Willi Kurth cites Dürer scholars discussing proof of authenticity and provides a historical context for each work. This collection is a must for artists and students of Dutch art history; casual art observers will be enchanted by these renderings which framed the vision of that age.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a paperback (ISBN 1635619181).