Albrecht Durer. Historical engraving of Albrecht Durer, at left (1471-1528), German artist, measuring the perspective of a musical instrument. Born in Nuremburg, Germany, Durer travelled to Italy in 1494 and 1505, and there appreciated the Italian renaissance style of art. He brought new ideas back to Germany, and did much in introducing the renaissance to Northern Europe. His skilful use of perspective and mathematical proportions made him one of the outstanding artistic figures of the early 16th century. He produced many portraits, woodcuts, engravings and watercolours. His best known work, Four books on Human Proportions" was published posthumously in 1528."