which originated in the south of Europe, and with
which Duerer became acquainted during his sojourn in Venice, and the
fruits of which he thus practically brought to the service of his native
city.[223-*] He published too an essay on the fortification of towns. In
fact, there were few subjects to which his mind was directed that he did
not make himself complete master of.

Thus lived and laboured Duerer in the city of his adoption, studying
nature most diligently, and combining therewith high imaginings of his
own. In 1506 he undertook a journey to Venice, and its influence improved
him greatly. In the letters he wrote on this journey to his intimate
friend Pirkheimer he acknowledges this; in one of them he declares "the
things which pleased me eleven years ago please me no longer." He also
notes the popularity which had preceded him, and says, "the Italian
artists counterfeit my works in the churches and wherever else they can
find them, and yet they blame them, and declare that as they are not in
accordance with ancient art they are worthless."[223-[+]] But though
subjected to the slights of the unworthy, Duerer gratefully records the
nobler acts of nobler men, and notes that Giovanni Bellini publicly
praised him before many gentlemen, "so that I am full of affection for
him." This noble old man did not confine his acts to praise alone, but
came to Duerer's lodging and requested him to paint him a picture, as he
was desirous to possess one of his works, and he would pay liberally for
it. Duerer at this time was far from rich, was merely paying his way by
the practice of his art; and the small sums of money he notes as sending
for the use of his wife and widowed mother in Nuernberg, sufficiently
attest this, as well as his request to Pirkheimer to help them with loans
which he would repay.

[Illustration: Fig. 242.--Gate of Pirkheimer's House.]

Pirkheimer's name is so intimately connected with Duerer, and he remained
throughout his life so steady and consistent a friend, that no memoir of
Duerer can be written, however briefly, without his name appearing. He
was a man of considerable wealth and influence in Nuernberg, a member of
the Imperial Council, and frequently employed in state affairs. He had
it, therefore, in his power to aid Duerer greatly; he did so, and Duerer
returned it with a gratitude which ripened to affection, he declares in
one of his letters that he had "no other friend but him on earth," and
he w