Drawing of the Hand: A Practical Reference for Artists

Drawing of the Hand is an English-language PDF guide by Joseph M. Henninger. It examines the structure, movement, proportion, and expressive potential of the human hand.

This digital edition contains 136 pages and includes numerous anatomical illustrations, action studies, sketches, and examples by Old Masters and modern artists. It is available as an instant download after purchase.

The book is intended for serious art students, illustrators, and readers seeking a focused reference on hand drawing and artistic anatomy.

Book Overview

Joseph M. Henninger explains how to draw the human hand through direct study of its anatomy and visible forms. He addresses comparative measurements, the wrist, palm, fingers, thumb, forearm, and the geometric simplification of complex shapes.

The volume also considers how hands communicate emotion and help establish character. Its concise text supports a strongly visual structure, with explanatory notes kept brief and plates reproduced at the actual scale of the original drawings.

The book is an art instruction and reference work. This Dover edition was first published in 2013 as an unabridged republication of the 1973 work Drawing of the Hand and Its Anatomy.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Anatomical explanations of the hand, wrist, palm, fingers, thumb, and forearm.
• Comparative measurements and basic structural observations for drawing the hand.
• Action studies showing the hand in movement and varied positions.
• Preliminary drawings and sketches for focused visual study.
• A portfolio of drawings by Old Masters and modern artists.
• Discussion of gesture, emotion, character, and the expressive role of the hands.
• Concise notes identifying the medium used for the reproduced drawings.

Why This Book Matters

Henninger presents the hand as an essential part of figure, portrait, and character drawing. The text explains why anatomical knowledge, proportion, and the hand’s ability to assume complex forms are central to convincing results.

The book also connects hand gesture with emotional communication, including examples such as a clenched fist, a pointed finger, prayer, and supplication. Its combination of anatomical reference and historical and modern examples gives students a concentrated visual resource.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, not a physical book. There is no physical shipping, and access is available after purchase.

The PDF works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and compatible reading apps. Device features may vary by application.

FAQ

When can I access the book?
Access is available after purchase through the digital download.

Will I receive a physical copy?
No. This product is a digital PDF download, so no physical copy is shipped.

What devices can open the file?
The PDF can be opened with compatible Kindle apps, tablets, desktop or mobile devices, and reading apps.

Download Drawing of the Hand for a focused digital reference on the anatomy, structure, movement, and expression of the human hand.

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