Anatomical Studies of Renaissance Art: A Case Study of DÜRer’S Artworks

Abstract

This essay examines to what extent was Albrecht Dürer’s nude figures influenced by Venetia artists’ philosophy on human anatomy. During Albrecht Dürer’s lifetime, he traveled twice to Venice to obtain more knowledge and development on human anatomy. This study will be led out from 3 different aspects: the comparison of Albrecht Dürer’s early “before his first/second travel to Venice“ works and his later works- the comparison between the engraved and painted versions of Dürer’s Adam and Eve, how did Dürer embed the Venetian way of portraying nude bodies into his art – how was Dürer’s relationship with Giovanni Bellini affect his way of painting and constructing his painting of human figures, and to what extent did Leonardo da Vinci influence Albrecht Dürer due to Leonardo’s high reputation in Venice as Leonardo was highly influential in Venice for his anatomical studies and his technical design were highly appreciated by the artists and artisans in Venice.