The Northern Renaissance: Dürer to Holbein - Hardcover

The Northern Renaissance in Europe was a period of rapid social and religious change. This is reflected in much of the art of the period, which is further characterised by a fascinating range of subject-matter, superb technical skill and an interest in capturing likeness with almost psychological precision. The same period also saw a great rise in the importance of works on paper, especially prints. This book discusses works by Albrecht Dürer and Hans Holbein – two of the greatest masters of the Northern Renaissance – together with a selection of paintings by Lucas Cranach. Encompassing portraiture, religion, mythology and allegory, these works are examined alongside others by such masters as Francois Clouet, Jan Gossaert and Joos van Cleve. Holbein’s superlative drawings of members of the court of King Henry VIII can be seen side-by-side with finished paintings and miniatures of the same sitters; and this rich survey also includes illuminated manuscripts and early printed books.

Kate Heard is assistant curator of the Print Room at Windsor Castle and deputy editor of the Journal of the History of Collections. Lucy Whitaker is Assistant Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures and coauthor of The Art of Italy in the Royal Collection: Renaissance & Baroque, also published by the Royal Collection Publications.