Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Proverbs 27:17 (04/27/23)
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TITLE: The Ultimate Sacrifice | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene MCPherson
05/04/23 -
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This was the case of two brothers, Albrecht and Albert Durer who lived in Nuremberg, Germany.
Their parents had eighteen children but only three who survived. Despite their father’s status as a successful goldsmith and a part of the middle-class family, the future looked dim for them to be formally trained in their desired vocation.
Both boys enjoyed art and they wanted to be accomplished artists. Albrecht displayed his artistic talent as early as thirteen years old. One Sunday night they made a pact. They tossed a coin after each decided on “head” or “tail”. The winner would go to art school while the loser would work in the nearby mine and support the winner during his studies. After completing his studies, he would take on the role to support his brother during his four years of studies.
Both men agreed and it so happened that the loser was Albert, so he worked for four years in the mine. While his young brother Albrecht studied and mastered the craft. He was seen as a prodigy at drawing, painting and woodcutting. His work was even superior to his teachers. He experienced success with his pieces and got a number of commissioned works.
On completion, the family welcomed him with a homecoming dinner on the family lawn. Many friends were in attendance.
After dinner Albrecht toasted.
“Now Albert, bless brother, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream and I will take care of you.”
All eyed Albert, awaiting his answer. He remained seated for sobbed for a while, shocked his head. Eventually, he stood, wiped his tears, glanced at the guests and then at his brother, and in a soft tone spoke.
“No, brother, I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late,”
He held up his hands close to his right cheek.
“Look what four years in the mines have done my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand and I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No brother, for me it is too late.”
Albrecht was commissioned to do an altarpiece for the client, Jacob Heller. He saw his brother’s hand as a symbol of ultimate sacrifice, generosity and love so he asked Albert to pose his hands for prayer and he drew it.
The sketch was created using ink and pencil on blue paper manufactured by the artist. He drew his brother’s abused hands with palms together, thin fingers stretched skyward. The sleeves of his shirt were faded but noticeable. He called the piece “Hands” but when it became public most people saw it as “Praying Hands”, even to this day.
This art piece has been instrumental in spreading the doctrine of Christianity and the original piece is stored in Albertina Museum in Vienna, Austria. It is seen as inspiration and creativity to many who use the design on items of clothing, mugs and painting for homes.
This story speaks to both men helping each. Although Albert could not go to the art academy it was his hand that was used to spread aspects of Christianity and also unleash his brother’s gifts, as a great German Renaissance Artist to the world.
Clearly, it can be seen that “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” Proverbs 27:17 KJV.
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Beautiful entry and well written,
Thank you.
God Bless~