In the fifteenth century, a family lived in a tiny village near Nuremberg with eighteen children.
Despite their difficult situation, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder’s children had a dream to pursue their talent for art.
However, they knew their father could not afford to send them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.
After many discussions, the two brothers decided to toss a coin.
The loser would work in the nearby mines and support his brother while he attended the academy.
After four years, they would switch roles.
Albrecht Durer won the coin toss and went off to Nuremberg.
Albert entered the dangerous mines and supported his brother for the next four years.
Albrecht’s work at the academy was exceptional, and he began earning significant fees for his commissioned works.
When he returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner to celebrate his triumphant homecoming.
Albrecht praised his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled him to fulfil his ambition and said, “And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, it is your turn.
Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you.”
Albert, with tears streaming down his pale face, declined the offer.
His hands had suffered severe injuries while working in the mines, and he had developed arthritis in his right hand, making it impossible for him to pursue his dream.
Over 450 years have passed, and Albrecht Durer’s masterful art pieces are still admired worldwide.
However, his tribute to love, “The Praying Hands,” is the most popular among them.
Albrecht Durer drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed.
This drawing is a reminder that no one ever makes it alone.
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