A polymath of the German Renaissance, Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) was a prolific artist, theorist, and writer whose works explored themes from religion to art theory and philosophy. His extensive oeuvre includes altarpieces, portraits, self-portraits, watercolors, and books, but he is chiefly famed for his stunning collection of woodcuts, which transformed printmaking from a craft into a whole new art form. Dürer’s woodcuts impress both in scale and detail. Through works such as the Apocalypse and the Triumphal Arch for Emperor Maximilian, he created dense, methodically constructed compositions that were far bigger, far more finely detailed, and far more complex than any previous woodcut works. With an ambitious tonal and dynamic scale, he introduced a new level of conceptual, emotional, and spiritual intensity. His two major woodcut series on the Passion of Christ, called The Large Passion and The Small Passion due to their size, are particularly notable for their vivid human approach to Christian narration. In his engraving, Melancholy I, Dürer produced a captivating image of emotional despondency, often referenced as an early defining image of a depressive or melancholic state. With an ever-curious spirit, Dürer absorbed ideas not only from mentors and fellow artists in Germany but also from Italy, while his own influence extended throughout Europe for many generations. In this essential TASCHEN introduction, we explore the intricate practice of this pioneering artist, his voracious intellect, and the principal works that shaped his enduring legacy.