4.
It is a true story behind a wellknown piece of art.
In a village near Nuremberg lived a family with eighteen children. Merely to keep food on the table, the father worked eighteen hours a day. Despite their (1) condition, two of the children had a dream to seek their talent for (2) but they knew well their father would never be able to send (3) of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.
The two boys finally worked out an agreement. They would toss (扔) a coin. The (4) would work in the nearby mines to support his brother. Albrecht (5) the toss and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, (6) work at the academy was almost a(n ) (7) success. Albechtˈs woodcut and oils were much (8) than those of his professors and he soon was earning considerable fees (9) his works.
When the young (10) returned home, the family held a festive dinner. Albrecht rose to toast to his beloved brother, “Now, Albert, it is your (11) to seek your dream and l will support you”.
All heads turned to the far end of the table, where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, while he (12) and repeated, “No...no.” Finally, Albert rose and (13) the tears from his cheeks. He said softly, “I (14) go to Nuremberg, brother. It is too late for me. Look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and I cannot even hold a glass to (15) your toast.”
Today, Albrechtˈs masterful works (16) in every great museum in the world, but chances are great (17) you, like most people, are familiar with only one of them. Albrecht drew his brotherˈs abused hands with palms together and the (18) stretched skyward. He called it simply “Hands”,but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and (19) his tribute (敬意) of love “The Praying Hands”.
Next time you see that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one ever makes it (20) !