Maulstick

A maulstick or mahlstick /ˈmɔːlstɪk/ MAWL-stik^[1] is a stick with a soft leather or padded head used by painters to support the working hand with a paintbrush or pen. The word derives from the German and Dutch Malstock or maalstok 'painting stick', from malen 'to paint'.

Closeup image of maulstick being used by painter

In 16th- through 19th-century paintings of artists, including self-portraits, the maulstick is often depicted as part of the painter's equipment.

Gallery

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  William-Adolphe Bouguereau holding painting implements
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  Self portrait of Caterina van Hemessen
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  Self-portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola
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  Portrait of Eva Gonzalès, by Édouard Manet
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  Detail of Vermeer's The Art of Painting with artist using mahlstick