Durer is probably my favorite artist of the Renaissance. His choice of subject matter is much more approachable and deals with people in an everyday manner. Much of this, I think, was due to his being an early Protestant, with the accompanying rejection of much of the layers of Catholic symbology found in the contemporary Italian art. The most recognizable of his art to modern eyes is probably the Praying Hands.
Those hands are beautiful and express the very essence of faith. I think you are right about the everyday manner. Brueghel did that too.
And so did Norman Rockwell. Freedom of Religion was inspired by Durer's hands.
