Study of male hands and arms 1504

Albrecht Durer made this study of male hands and arms using pen and ink. Durer was from Nuremberg, a prominent artistic center in 16th century Germany. This drawing reflects an important moment in the history of art education. Before the Renaissance, artists were trained in workshops, passing down practical knowledge. However, the Renaissance saw the rise of art academies, institutions that emphasized theoretical knowledge and the study of classical art. Durer's drawing reflects this shift, focusing on the careful observation and anatomical study of the human body, and hands in particular. These kinds of studies were crucial for artists seeking to elevate their status from mere craftsmen to intellectuals. To better understand Durer's place in this changing world, we can look at archival material from the Nuremberg city council and records from artist guilds. These resources reveal how artists sought to redefine their social role through institutions of art education.