of any artist of that period, we
must go back mentally to the time in which he flourished, and measure
him by such as had preceded him. In this way alone can we form a right
judgment of his powers, and award him his due place in art.

[Illustration: Fig. 237.--Entrance Hall of Duerer's House.]

In the days of Albert Duerer the street in which he resided was known as
"die Zisselgasse;" it is now appropriately named after the great artist
himself. When he lived and worked in his roomy old mansion, Nuernberg was
not quite so crowded within its own walls as it has since become by the
pressure of modern exigencies; and Duerer's house appears to have had
out-buildings, and, most probably, a small garden, such as was awarded
to better-class houses in mediaeval times. Dr. Frederick Campe tells us
that he bought, in 1826, from the proprietor of the house, a balcony in
which Duerer worked in summer time, and which originally must have
commanded some sheltered space wherein a few trees might grow. The house
has since been purchased by a society of artists, who honour themselves
by that act, and do honour to Duerer by preserving it as much as possible
in the state in which he left it, and exhibiting his works in the rooms.
The interior of the house has undergone some renovation, but it has
been done cautiously, and in strict character with the original
portions: it chiefly consists of new panelling and new doors, and they
are quaintly carved in the style of the sixteenth century. The external
door of the house still retains its old ironwork and lock
fittings.[212-*] We pass through from the street, and enter a roomy
hall, with a wide passage on one side, and an equally wide staircase on
the other, which leads to the upper floors. A ponderous beam supports
the ceiling, and a massive wooden pillar props the centre of this beam.
The profusion of timber, and abundance of space accorded to passages and
staircase, are indicative of past times, when wood was of less value
than it has since become. The floor on which this pillar rests is
flagged with stones; a small parlour is to the right; we pass it, and
midway in the passage come to a low door leading into a small square
room,--it was the studio of Duerer.

"Here, when art was still religion, with a simple, reverent heart,
Lived and laboured Albert Duerer, the Evangelist of Art."[212-[+]]

It is lighted from the street by a long narrow window about five feet
from the ground