Description

Albrecht Durer “Bente Hande” or “Studie zu den Handen eines Apostels” in English - “Praying Hands” or “Study of the Hands of an Apostle”, Originally it was believed Durer created it around 1508 as a sketch for the Heller Altarpiece. Today “Praying Hands” more than likely is one of Durer’s most enduring and recognizable images. The hands were said to be modeled after one of his brother’s hands ( there were 17 children in his family). The “Bente Hande” or “Praying Hands” being offered (after Durer) is a wonderful hand carved wood piece that was made during one of the stagings of the Passion Play at Oberammergau Germany. The Passion Play has been performed every decade for the last 400 years (with several postponements, but a handful). It started as a promise if the Black Death spared the town. The solid wood object is carved in the subtractive process. You can see the artist has remarkable technique. I photographed all sides so you can see the wonderful relief. Hands are one of the hardest things to depict in art, be it painting or sculpture. So if I may say, this person must be really good to tackle a subject of just hands. What sets this plaque specifically apart from other ones from Oberammergau is its simplicity. Some artists go overboard with the flat surface- adding whittling. Wood carving is such a deeply revered skill in Germany, especially the Black Forest area. Dimensions: 7.25 inches by 5.5 inches by 3/4 inches Condition: Light handling. Some faint scattered marks. A few patina differences on wood sides. Shipping: USPS Priority Shipping. Terms of Sale: I accept returns within 30 days of buyer receiving the item. I request that buyer pay for return shipping. Thank you for shopping!