The Praying Hands
Along about 1490, two young friends, Albrecht Durer and Franz Knigstein, were struggling young artists. Since both were very poor, they worked to support themselves while they studied art.
Work took much of their time and advancement was slow. Finally they reached an agreement; they would draw lots, and one of them would work to support both of them while the other would study art. Albrecht won
Albrecht went off to the cities of Europe to study. As the world now knows, he had not only talent, but genius. When he had attained success, he went back to keep his bargain with Franz. But Albrecht soon discovered the enormous price his friend had paid. For as Franz worked at hard manual labor to support his friend, his fingers had become stiff and twisted. His slender, sensitive hands had been ruined for life. He could no longer execute the delicate brush strokes necessary to fine painting. Though his artistic dreams could never be realized, he was not embittered, but rather, rejoiced in his friend's success.
One day Durer came upon his friend unexpectedly, and found him kneeling with gnarled hands intertwined in prayer, quietly praying for the success of his friend although he himself could no longer be an artist. Albrecht Durer, the great genius, hurriedly sketched the folded hands of his faithful friend and later completed a truly great masterpiece know as the Praying Hands.
Today, art galleries everywhere feature Albrecht Durer's works. But of them all, none hold the place in the hearts of people that Praying Hands does. It tells an eloquent story of love, sacrifice, labor and gratitude. And it has reminded multitudes the world around of how they also may find comfort, courage and strength.
J. Palmer Muntz
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