Marie Higgs - The Praying Hands

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Albery Durer’s master piece – HANDS, known the world over as The Praying Hands.

Back in the 15th century, in a tiny village near Nuremburg lived a family of 18 children. In order to keep food on the table for them all, the father, a goldsmith, worked almost 18 hours a day at his trade and any other work he could find in the neighbourhood. Despite their seemingly hopeless situation, two of Albrecht Durer, the elder’s children, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be able financially, to send either of them to Nuremburg to study at the Academy. After many hours of discussion in their crowded bed, the two boys worked out a pact. They would toss a coin and the loser would go down the mines. His earnings would support the other while he attended the Academy. Then, when the winner finished at the Academy four years later, he would support the other brother  with sales of his work or if necessary work down the mines also. The toss of the coin sent Albrecht Durer, Jnr, to the Academy and his brother down the mines. For four years he (Albert) supported his brother whose work was an immediate sensation. His etchings, woodcuts and oils were far better than most of his professors! By the time he left he was earning considerable fees for his commissioned works.

On his return to the village, a celebration feast was held and as the meal drew to a close Albrecht, from the place of honour at the top of the table, toasted his brother and his closing words were:- ‘Now Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremburg to pursue your dream and I will take care of you.’

Albert, with everyone watching him and tears streaming down his face held his hands close to his chest and said softly, ‘ Look, look what four years in the mines have done to my hands. The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly that my right hand cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a brush or pen. No, brother, for me, it is too late.’

More than 450 years have passed and Albrecht Durer’s works in many genres are all over the world, but perhaps you are only familiar with one. The one he painstakingly drew of his brother’s abused hands, with the palms together and the thin,broken fingers stretching skywards – he called it simply – HANDS. but the entire world opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love, THE PRAYING HANDS.

Next time you see a copy of his touching creation, take a second look. Let it be a reminder, if you still need one, that no one… no one… ever makes it alone.

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