The mahl stick is held in the left hand with the palette

This is a long, slender stick tapering toward one end, where it is finished off with a small round knob. These sticks were used a great deal in times past, their purpose being to steady the right hand while working. The mahl stick is held in the left hand with the palette, and the other end with the knob is rested against the picture. The right hand holding the brush leans the wrist upon this support, which keeps the hand steady.

This used to be considered indispensable in a studio, but among modern artists, is, as a general thing, entirely dispensed with.

It is argued that the hand acquires more freedom of handling by not depending upon such support, and in cases where great decision of touch is necessary, the wrist of the right hand is steadied against the reserve brushes which are held firmly in the left. In painting very large pictures a mahl stick is sometimes useful; it is better, however, to accustom one's self to work without it entirely.