Praying Hands are a very expressive religious tattoo. The story behind tattoos of praying hands can be traced back to the 15th century when German painter Albrecht Dürer painted a famous art work of praying hands for the mayor of Frankfurt. The story goes that the hands represented in the painting were those of the artist’s brother.
The family, were not financially able to support two artists so by the toss of a coin which of the brothers would be allowed to pursue a painting career was decided. The brother who lost the toss was forced to work in a mine. The brother who became the artist, Albrecht, painted his brothers hands as a way of honoring him. Even today in addition to being a religious tattoo, praying hands represent a strong family bond.
