The Story of the Praying Hands

All of us have admired the art masterpiece known as "The Praying Hands." Here's the fascinating story behind that masterful work of art.

In the late fifteenth century two struggling young art students, Albrecht Durer and Franz Knigstein, worked as laborers to earn money to continue their art studies. The work was long and hard; it left them little time to study art.

Finally they agreed to draw lots and the lot loser support them both while the winner continued to study. Albrecht won. If and when he attained success, Albrecht agreed to then support Franz so that he too could finish his studies.

After Albrecht achieved success, he returned to keep his bargain with Franz. He soon discovered the enormous sacrifice his friend had made for him. As Franz had worked at hard labor, his fingers had become twisted and stiff. His long, slender fingers and sensitive hands had been ruined for life, He could no longer manage the delicate brush strokes so necessary to execute fine paintings. In spite of the price he had paid, Franz was not bitter. He was happy that his friend
Albrecht had attained success.

One day Albrecht saw his loyal friend kneeling, his tough and gnarled hands entwined in silent prayer. Albrecht sketched his friend's hands. From this sketch he later completed a truly great masterpiece. He gave it the simple but moving title, "The Praying Hands."