Diary of a Journey to the Netherlands

In 1520 Albrecht Durer, then aged 49, undertook a journey to the Netherlands where he hoped to confirm his position as painter to the Imperial Court with the new Emperor, Charles V. It proved to be a momentous episode in his life. 'Not until Durer arrived in the Netherlands could he have realized the full extent of his fame or the esteem felt for him in distant lands. The new surroundings and the reception he enjoyed wherever he went in the Netherlands effected a much needed spiritual recovery. Durer's immense activity and output of work in the Netherlands and the comments he makes in his diary testify to a renewed enthusiasm and confidence and a revival of his interest in all things.' (Philip Troutman) Here, complete, is the text of the diary that Durer carefully kept during his journey, recording everything from trivial expenses to momentous encounters with art and artists. it is an extraordinarily intimate glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest artists of the Western tradition. The text of the diary is accompanied by illustrations from the sketchbook that Durer kept at the same time, and reproductions of some of the many drawings and paintings that he made during the journey. An introduction by the great early 20th century critic Roger Fry places Durer's journal in the context of his art and times, as well as being a fascinating document of the revival of interest in Durer.