"Alberti Dvreri pictoris et architecti praestantissimi De vrbibvs..."

Albrecht Dürer, 1535

MEDIUMIllustrated book
DIMENSIONS78 pp.; H: 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe Libraries
CULTUREParis: Officina Christiani Wecheli, 1535
CREDIT LINEPurchased with income from the Jacob S. Rogers Fund

Explore Albrecht Dürer's lesser-known role as an architectural theorist through this illustrated book. It reveals the German Renaissance master's intellectual depth beyond his famous prints and paintings.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This illustrated book, titled "Alberti Dvreri pictoris et architecti praestantissimi De vrbibvs...", offers a fascinating glimpse into the theoretical side of Albrecht Dürer, a towering figure of the German Renaissance. While Dürer is perhaps best known for his masterful prints like "Adam and Eve" and "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," he was also a profound theorist, deeply interested in mathematics, perspective, and proportion. This book, published posthumously, likely compiles his extensive research and writings on urban planning and fortification, a testament to his multifaceted genius. Dürer's contact with major Italian artists such as Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci influenced his rigorous approach to art and architecture, pushing him to explore the scientific principles underlying artistic creation. This work demonstrates his commitment to intellectual inquiry beyond the canvas or woodblock, solidifying his reputation not just as a painter and printmaker, but also as a significant architectural theorist.

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What to Notice

1

The intricate typography and layout of the text

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Any surviving illustrations or diagrams within

3

The quality of the paper and binding

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Explore Albrecht Dürer's lesser-known role as an architectural theorist through this illustrated book. It reveals the German Renaissance master's intellectual…

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THE ARTIST
Albrecht Dürer 1471–1528 · Duchy of Bavaria

Renaissance master who revolutionized printmaking across Europe before turning 30.

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