A tendency to use expressive forms of expression broke fresh ground in the art of Central Europe during the first half of the 16th century. For example, a dynamic defamiliarizing of structures, strong colors, lighting effects and focusing on objects are characteristic, as is the caricature of figures through exaggerated gestures, physiognomies and garments, for instance. Among other artists, this tendency can be found in works by Albrecht Altdorfer, Matthias Grünewald, Wolf Huber, Hans Leinberger or the Master IP. This sumptuously designed book presents the latest findings on the subject and is based on essays for a conference being prepared in conjunction with the current exhibition "Fantastische Welten" (Fantastic Worlds) in Frankfurt and Vienna.