One of the world's most beloved drawings is the famous "praying
Hands" of Albrecht Durer,the German artist (1471-1523)
There is a wonderful story of sacrifice behind the masterpiece.
The young Albrecht Durer was rooming with a fellow art student, but
there was not enough money between them for food or lodging. Durer's
friend agreed to go to work in the fields so that Albrect could
continue his studies.
After weeks of hard labor the friend's hands had become so stiffened
by toil that he had to give up his drawing altogether. It was these
toil worn hands, which had been sacrificed in his behalf, to give him
the opportunity to continue, that Durer rendered so lovingly and with
so much feeling.
Durer went on to become one of the great masters, but none of his
work is quite so famous as the "Praying Hands" which has come to be a
symbol of prayer throughout the world.
So revered is the drawing that a fable has grown up about it - that
the household that has a copy will be blessed with happiness and
domestic bliss.
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