This attractively designed and reasonably priced introduction to the Renaissance genius focuses on Dürer's studies of the natural world to show how the artist imbued the most ordinary of living things with reverence and emotion. A master graphic artist, Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) was the most important artist of the Northern Renaissance. Although he was extremely influential as a printer, his drawings and paintings reveal a profound scientific curiosity about and sensitivity to the world around him. This collection of sketches and watercolors includes thirty-four animal and plant studies, including the masterpieces, "Hare" and "Large Piece of Turf." Victoria Salley's lively essay explores Dürer's interest in nature and the gorgeous reproductions which allow readers to appreciate the intricate beauty of Dürer's work as well as his keen powers of observation.