Turner,
Murillo, Rembrandt, West,
Velasquez, Holbein, Copley,
Salvator Rosa, Teniers, Allston.

PREFACE.

This little volume presents an account of the life of one of the
noblest and most versatile artists of Germany, with a passing glance
at the activities of Northern Europe at the era of the Reformation.
The weird and wonderful paintings of Duerer are herein concisely
described, as well as the most famous and characteristic of his
engravings and carvings; and his quaint literary works are enumerated.
It has also been thought advisable to devote considerable space to
details about Nuremberg, the scene of the artist's greatest labors;
and to reproduce numerous extracts from his fascinating Venetian
letters and Lowland journals.

The modern theory as to Duerer's wife and his home has been accepted
in this work, after a long and careful examination of the arguments
on both sides. It is pleasant thus to be able to aid in the
rehabilitation of the much-slandered Agnes, and to have an oppressive
cloud of sorrow removed from the memory of the great painter.

The chief authorities used in the preparation of this new memoir are
the recent works of Dr. Thausing and Mr. W. B. Scott, with the series
of articles now current in "The Portfolio," written by Professor
Colvin. Mrs. Heaton's biography has also been studied with care; and
other details have been gathered from modern works of travel and
art-criticism, as well as from "The Art Journal," "La Gazette des
Beaux Arts," and other periodicals of a similar character.

M. F. SWEETSER.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

1471-1494. PAGE

The Activities of Nuremberg.--The Duerer Family.--Early Years of
Albert.--His Studies with Wohlgemuth.--The _Wander-Jahre_ 7

CHAPTER II.

1494-1505.

Duerer marries Agnes Frey.--Her Character.--Early Engravings.
--Portraits.--"The Apocalypse."--Death of Duerer's Father.
--Drawings 28

CHAPTER III.

1505-1509.

The Journey to Venice.--Bellini's Friendship.--Letters to
Pirkheimer.--"The Feast of Rose Garlands."--Bologna.--"Adam and
Eve."--"The Coronation of the Virgin" 47

CHAPTER IV.

1509-1514.

Duerer's House.--His Poetry.--Sculptures.--Th