The Dürer Society, Eighth Series; complete Folio with 29 backed sheets of prints, 1905 (elephant folio size)

An impressive complete folio of 'elephant folio' proportions, with 29 Plates of Dürer's work. A complete folio like this is a rare survivor, as they are almost always broken up to sell as individual prints.

Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) was a German Renaissance artist, printmaker, and theorist, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Northern European art. He was known for his highly detailed engravings, woodcuts, and paintings, which combined Italian Renaissance techniques with Northern Gothic traditions.

His Importance:

• Master of Printmaking: Dürer revolutionized woodcuts and engravings, elevating them to fine art. Works like Melencolia I, Knight, Death, and the Devil, and Saint Jerome in His Study showcased his technical skill and deep symbolism.
• Renaissance Influence: He brought Italian Renaissance ideas of perspective, anatomy, and proportion to Northern Europe after traveling to Italy.
• Scientific and Artistic Theory: He wrote treatises on human proportions and geometry, influencing both artists and mathematicians.
• Self-Portraiture: One of the first artists to create detailed self-portraits, demonstrating a new sense of individualism in art.
• Cultural Impact: His art had a profound influence on later German and European artists, helping bridge the Northern and Italian Renaissances.

Dürer’s legacy remains strong, as his prints and writings continue to be studied and admired today.

The Dürer Society Eighth Series; With Introductory Notes by Campbell Dodgson, Gustav Pauli and S. Montagu Peartree.

This folio was published by the Dürer Society, London, in November 1905. First edition. Printed by Alexander Moring.

It comprises: 

An outer card folio, with printed titles, and linen backed card flaps and printed linen spine. This outer cover is scuffed, worn, and frayed, but still intact. Some pencil annotations inside.;

Enclosed is a 24 page large paper booklet, describing the works in the folio. In very good condition, with age toning and light wear to extremities; and; 

29 large card sheets with mounted prints - displayed using a number of different techniques, as issued; fully mounted, tipped on, framed, tissue guarded and fold-out. In good condition overall - the backing cards and some tissue guards have age spotting, but the prints themselves are very good. Each with a small printed title label. All are present, as called for.

Text in English.

Outer folio cover with flaps + 24 page booklet + 29 Card-backed sheets of prints.

Weight approximately 4.63kg (the set - unpacked).

Dimensions:

Outer folio; Approximately 560mm high x 410mm wide x 35mm deep (approx. 22" x 16" x 1.5").  'Elephant Folio' size.

Individual mount card size; Approximately 545mm high x 400mm wide (approx. 21.5" x 15.75").  'Elephant Folio' size.