Main content

Dürer: An Artist for All Germans

Neil MacGregor focuses on the work of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), arguing that he is the defining artist of Germany, his image - and his self-image - known to all Germans.

Neil MacGregor focuses on the work of Dürer (1471-1528), arguing that he is the defining artist of Germany, his image - and his self-image - known to all Germans. He was a new kind of artist, clearly fascinated by himself, and the first great artist in Europe to paint so many self-portraits. He embodies the Renaissance idea of the artist as a hero and a star, the artist of a new world and a new technology. Dürer was also the first artist to sell his work widely throughout Europe.

Producer Paul Kobrak.

Available now

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Tue 21 Oct 2014 09:45
  • Tue 21 Oct 2014 19:45
  • Wed 22 Oct 2014 00:30

Featured in...

Made in Germany: the stories of 10 fascinating objects

See photos and videos of this diverse collection of products and sculptures.

10 reasons we know Germans love beer and sausages

Beer riots and sausage snacks demonstrate a devotion to the national diet.

10 things you may not know about Germany

Degenerate art and other facts from this fascinating nation.

Podcast