lesson9

They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the arts academy.

Then, when the brother who won the toss completed his studies in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with the sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by working in the mines.

For the next four years, Albert supported his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation.

Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his dream.

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears running down his face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he cried.

The bones in every finger have been broken at least once, and lately I have been suffering from such bad pains in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make the delicate lines of a picture with a pen or a brush.

More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, to show his respect to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Dürer carefully drew his brother's damaged hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched upward.

The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look

Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one-no one ever-makes it alone.