Hand Study with Bible 1506

Albrecht Dürer’s “Hand Study with Bible,” a silverpoint drawing from 1506, is a masterclass in anatomical detail. The artist, known for his meticulous studies of the human form, focuses on the intricacies of the hands, rendering every vein, muscle, and tendon with remarkable precision. The hands are positioned atop a closed book, suggesting contemplation and intellectual pursuit, themes common in Dürer's work. The drawing, now housed in Vienna's Albertina, exemplifies Dürer's mastery of the silverpoint technique, resulting in subtle tonal variations that capture the lifelike quality of the subject.