Study of the Hands of an Apostle, also known as Praying Hands ( Betende Hände), is a drawing by Albrecht Dürer using a technique of white heightening and black ink on blue colored paper (self-made). According to Peter Strieder in his catalogue of Dürer’s works, this drawing was a study for hands of an apostle in a central panel of the triptych Heller Altarpiece in Frankfurt. Dürer produced many such studies—of heads, drapery, hands, and gestures—to work out details before executing a large commission. These were part of his working process, not objects meant for public display.

As I studied this drawing, I thought of several symbolic features:

  • I typically bow my head and press my hands together when I pray, interlocking my fingers. Is this a religious tradition? Is it a sign of submission and humility? Does it keep my hands from being distracted? If I am with others, we join hands in prayer.
  • Praying hands are very iconic in Dürer’s religious paintings. See: “Christ on the Cross”; “The Feast of the Rose Garlands”; “Adoration of the Trinity”
  • As the hands are the focus, there are no distractions with figures, landscape, background, portraits, clothing, etc. –just a beautiful image of faith.
  • These “Praying Hands “appear to belong to an older man. The thin skin, wrinkles, tendons, and veins stand out clearly in contrast to younger skin which is softer and pliable. In my 65th year, these features of age are prominent in my hands as well. This is a wonderful reminder of the 50 years I have pressed my hands together in humble prayer to my Lord.

I recently viewed Praying Hands at the Albertina Museum in Vienna and, at first glance, I was transported back to my grandmother’s dining room where a print of Praying Hands hung over the table.

Viewing this study of Praying Hands has been very impactful and significant for me these past few months. Thank you, Dürer, for sharing this image five hundred years ago!

Work Cited

Peter Strieder. The Master Works of Dürer. Milan: Arnoldo Mandadori Editore, 1976.