Albrecht Durer's "The Praying Hands"

            The Praying Hands by Albrecht Dürer illustrates a touching story of him and his brother, Albert Durer. The two brothers both had great dreams to pursue art, but their passion was blocked by financial issues. Thus, they made a pact; they would toss a coin, the winner goes to study art and the loser goes to the mines, working to support the brother’s educational fees. Then after the winner completes his studies, they would switch places. Albrecht won and went off to Nuremberg, turning into one of greatest artist at the time. When he returned home, he proudly told his brother it was his turn now. Albert sadly announced that it was too late for him. Because of working at mines, the bones in his fingers were smashed and he also developed arthritis. To pay homage to Albert for all that he’s sacrificed, Albrecht drew his brother’s much abused hands (The Story Behind the Picture of "The Praying Hands”).

            This artwork from the Renaissance period depicts the fingers thin and outstretched, with protruding veins and tendons. Aging is shown through the joints. The thumb in the left hand is extended rather than its normal relaxed position. Some fingers are suggestive of Boutonniere deformity, where the middle joint is bent down and the end joint bent back. This is usually caused from injury, or developed from disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Pankaj Sharma, a physician engaged in clinical researched noted that the two hands are barely touching, showing signs of muscle wasting and diabetes mellitus. It is also noted that these features are not necessarily signs of deformities. The lightly pressed together hands were common in the art of the time that it could also be interpreted as a cultural or stylistic feature (The Model for Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands).

            It is the many signs of hand deformity and it’s worn out appearance that draws to the conclusion of human suffering. The story behind these meaningful hands shows the brother’s helpless dreams that were once so bright, now shattered and hopeless.

The Story Behind the Picture of "The Praying Hands”. 1998-2009. Feel the Magic. Date accessed: April 21, 2011. <http://www.ftmagic.com/prayinghands.html>

The Model for Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands. Hektoen International. Chicago, IL. 2009. Date accessed: April 21, 2011. <http://hektoeninternational.org/Durers_praying_hands.html>