A Tale of Two Brothers

Once there were two brothers that longed to have a career in painting. Both could not afford to attend art school as times were bad and their father needed help working just to keep this family with 18 children alive. One brother could go to school while the other stayed at home. But which one would go and which one would stay. To decide the boys flipped a coin. One brother would stay and work in the mines supporting the one that went to art school. Then when that brother was finished with school he would come back and work in the mines so his brother could attend school.


It took four years for the one brother to finish school. His art work was so good. He became famous and his village was very proud of him. When he returned home the family gave him a feast. After the feast he announced to everyone that he would not continue his career as an artist because he wanted to work in the mines while his brother attended art school. The brother that stayed was so thankful but told everyone that it was too late for him.



After four years in the mines, every bone in his hands had been crushed at least once and arthritis bothered his right hand so much that he couldn't even hold a glass to toast his brother much less paint.


To pay homage to his brother Albert, Albrecht Durer painted what he called "Hands". The painting is of his brothers hands. You may know it as "Praying Hands".