"Why has God given me such magnificent talent? It is a curse as well as a great blessing."
- Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer was a revered German artist leading the movement of the German Renaissance. He was born May 21st, 1471 in Nuremberg, a city-state within the Holy Roman Empire. He was a devoutly religious man which lead him to controversy later in his life, between Roman Catholicism and the reformed Lutheran Church. He rose to prominence due to his intricate wood-cut prints ("Albrecht Dürer Biography"). He was the first artist to make use of the printing press to distribute his works. However, the work I am presenting is one done by pen-and-ink on blue colored paper that he had made himself. This work is arguably the most distributed and most identifiable image in the world. Albrecht Dürer displays his faith in God in this sketch.
Albrecht Dürer, Praying Hands
Albertina, Vienna, 1508
Pen-and-ink on paper
I did not know that this image was created by Dürer. This image is seen on every piece of apparel imaginable. I have even seen this image as a tattoo. The independence of time shows that this work is truly great, and is worthy of admiration through the ages. It humors me to think that Dürer was the first to use the press to mass distribute his works. I wonder what he would think if he knew that this was a piece mass distributed in ways he did not know was possible.
The Context
Dürer had not intended this work to be standalone. It was originally a preliminary drawing or an altarpiece depicting the coronation of the Virgin Mary. This was commissioned by Jacob Heller in 1507 for a church in Frankfurt ("Albrecht Dürer Artworks & Famous Paintings"). However, there is the recent controversy over the intended purpose of the art. It is said that the detail in this work is too extraordinary to not be considered a standalone piece and merely as preparation for a commission. There are suggestions that this work was made so that could invite potential donors to his studio and demonstrate his technical finesse. Dürer's habit of self-promotion suggests that this was the case (“Praying Hands”).
An Analysis
Beyond the context, the work elicits a feeling of tranquility and vulnerability. Growing up as a Roman Catholic, prayer was done in silence and reverence for God. It was to acknowledge the piety for the divine and righteous. The light that comes down onto the hands shows that God is listening to the prayers. The light brings your eyes from the tips of the finger down to the collar of the sleeves. The lines and the hatching show the rough characteristics of the hands, hands that could belong to anybody. The unfurled sleeve collars emphasize the idea further that prayer belongs to anybody seeking the almighty and not just aristocrats, nobles, or the clergy. I would like to own a copy of this work so that I could capture the power of prayer in art.
Humanism
Humanism is the philosophy of believing in the worth and dignity of the individual. First starting in Florence, it then spread throughout Europe. There was an emphasis on Greek philosophy, science, and art. Humanism embraced human achievement, spirituality, beauty, and reason. Dürer studied the writings of the humanists ("Albrecht Dürer Biography") and was greatly influenced by their teachings. In further celebration of human achievement in individuals, he did many portraits. He spoke with famous humanists and did a portrait for Willibard Prickheimer, a prominent Renaissance humanist scholar (“Willibald Prickheimer”). Dürer also depicted the intellectualism of the artist, the individual. In Melencolia I, he does a spiritual self-portrait. Medieval philosophy said that melancholics were likely to succumb to insanity, however, Renaissance humanism linked melancholics with creative genius (“Melencolia I”). Dürer was incredibly aware of his gifts and the problems they caused him.
Albrecht Dürer, Willibard Prickheimer
Unknown, 1524
Print
Albrecht Dürer, Melencolia I
Unknown, 1514
Print
The work, Praying Hands, is an example of Dürer's interests in theology, naturalism, and ultimately humanism (“Albrecht Dürer Artworks & Famous Paintings”). He embraced the art of individuals in many forms: self-portraits, portraits of others, and theological pieces. His succeeding works of Melencolia I and Willibard Prickheimer suggest his continued dedication to the philosophy of humanism.
Works Cited
Durer epitomizes the 'Northern Renaissance' movement of self-worth and dignity. I am reminded of the complexity of Durer's work in the sketch. I find the appeal of the work to be in the sketched lines both extremely detailed, but of a monochromatic theme. This theme shows the hardship, realness, and natural vision of the world and its occurrences. You greatly connect humanism to philosophy, theology, and nature as each ties one with another in perfect harmony. I appreciate your recognition of Durer's work and evoking in us the audience a curiosity to the functions of humanity in the world, but more importantly the particular scenes of living, breathing, and experiencing.
ReplyDeleteHi Gerald,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have seen this image in so many places but I did not know the background of the piece. I think that your analysis regarding the hands belonging to a working class individual rather than a noble or rich person is insightful. You make a compelling argument for humanisms impact on this work and I appreciate having more context for this piece when I encounter it in the future. I also like your musing about how Durer would feel about how pervasive this image has become in media that Durer would be flabbergasted by.
I found your Renaissance blog to be explanatory, in a direct and factual tone; Your description is very educational. I agree with your analysis that the image of the 'Praying Hands' can belong to a common person in society, and the image strongly proves its own title. Certainly, with the simplified trueness of the detail is a hard-worked class citizen of this Era in 1508. However, the completion of this piece is complexly detailed having been created with a pen. Astonishing details that came to be a popular, visual piece of art. Visually telling a story of so much, and so much that can be, through the lighting and shadowing of the contrast, and organic curved lines. It is appealing and eminent, to me, that this was done with the help of an indoor candle, or the sunlight through a window. I would certainly like to own this piece of art as well.
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