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The Return of the Prodigal Son is a painting by Rembrandt, likely completed within two years of his death in 1668 or 1669. The painting depicts the moment of the prodigal son's return to his father in the Biblical parable. It is considered one of Rembrandt's final works and is renowned for its emotional and spiritual depth. The painting has been described as a picture which those who have seen the original in St. Petersburg may be forgiven for claiming as the greatest picture ever painted by art historian Kenneth Clark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date Painted | c. 1669 |
| Painter | Rembrandt van Rijn |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 175 cm × 200 cm (69 in × 79 in) |
| Current Location | The Hermitage, Saint Petersburg |
| Style | Baroque |
| Genre | Biblical Narrative |
| Technique | Impasto, wet-on-wet |
| Theme | Forgiveness, compassion, and paternal love |
| Inspiration | Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament |
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What You'll Learn
Rembrandt's interpretation of the Christian idea of mercy
Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son" is among the Dutch master's final works, likely completed within two years of his death in 1668 or 1669. The painting depicts the moment of the prodigal son's return to his father, as described in the Biblical parable of the same name.
In the painting, the son has returned home in a wretched state, having wasted his inheritance and fallen into poverty and despair. He kneels before his father in repentance, seeking forgiveness and a renewed place in the family, having realized that even his father's servants are better off than he is. The father receives him with a tender gesture, his hands appearing to suggest both motherly and fatherly comfort.
Art historian H. W. Janson describes the painting as "his [Rembrandt's] most moving painting. It is also his quietest—a moment stretching into eternity." The mood of tender silence is so pervasive that the viewer feels a sense of kinship with the group, a bond that is more intimate than in any earlier work of art.
Rembrandt scholar Rosenberg echoes this sentiment, calling the painting "monumental" and praising Rembrandt's interpretation of the Christian idea of mercy. He writes that Rembrandt interprets mercy with "extraordinary solemnity, as though this were his spiritual testament to the world." The painting, according to Rosenberg, surpasses the work of other Baroque artists in its evocation of religious mood and human sympathy.
Dutch priest Henri Nouwen was so moved by the painting that he wrote a book, "The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming" (1992), using the parable and Rembrandt's painting as frameworks. Nouwen saw Rembrandt as embodying both the younger and elder sons in the parable, reflecting the universal need for healing, forgiveness, and homecoming.
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Rembrandt's late-life mastery and psychological insight
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, the Dutch baroque artist, painted The Return of the Prodigal Son in 1669, shortly before his death. The painting is considered a demonstration of the mastery of the late Rembrandt. His interpretation of the Christian idea of mercy and the parable's message of forgiveness has been considered the height of his art. Rembrandt scholar Rosenberg et al. calls the painting "monumental", writing that:
> [The painting] goes beyond the work of all other Baroque artists in the evocation of religious mood and human sympathy. The aged artist's power of realism is not diminished, but increased by psychological insight and spiritual awareness ... The observer is roused to a feeling of some extraordinary event ... The whole represents a symbol of homecoming, of the darkness of human existence illuminated by tenderness, of weary and sinful mankind taking refuge in the shelter of God's mercy.
The Return of the Prodigal Son is an oil painting that is part of the collection of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It is among the Dutch master's final works, likely completed within two years of his death. The painting depicts the moment of the prodigal son's return to his father in the Biblical parable. The son has returned home in a wretched state from travels in which he wasted his inheritance and fell into poverty and despair. He kneels before his father in repentance, wishing for forgiveness and a renewed place in the family, having realised that even his father's servants had a better station in life than he. His father receives him with a tender gesture. His hands seem to suggest mothering and fathering at once; the left appears larger and more masculine, set on the son's shoulder, while the right is softer and more receptive in gesture.
The painting includes figures not directly related to the parable but seen in some of Rembrandt's earlier works on the theme; their identities have been debated. The woman at the top left, barely visible, is likely the mother, while the seated man, whose dress implies wealth, may be an advisor to the estate or a tax collector. The standing man at the centre is likely the elder son.
Dutch priest Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) was so taken by the painting that he wrote a book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (1992), using the parable and Rembrandt's painting as frameworks. He begins by describing his visit to the State Hermitage Museum in 1986, where he was able to contemplate the painting alone for hours. Considering the role of the father and sons in the parable in relation to Rembrandt's biography, he wrote:
> Rembrandt is as much the elder son of the parable as he is the younger. When, during the last years of his life, he painted both sons in Return of the Prodigal Son, he had lived a life in which neither the lostness of the younger son nor the lostness of the elder son was alien to him. Both needed healing and forgiveness. Both needed to come home. Both needed the embrace of a forgiving father.
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The parable's message of forgiveness
The Return of the Prodigal Son is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in the mid-17th century, circa 1661-1669. This painting is one of Rembrandt's most famous works and is considered a masterpiece of Western art. The parable it illustrates is a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption, and its message has resonated with viewers for centuries.
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a well-known story from the Christian tradition, told by Jesus and recorded in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 11-32. It tells of a young man who demands his inheritance from his father and leaves home, only to squander his wealth in reckless living. Eventually, he hits rock bottom, becomes destitute, and is forced to work feeding pigs, which was considered a detestable job for a Jewish boy at the time.
Realizing his mistake and feeling remorse, the son decides to return home and beg his father for forgiveness, planning to say, "I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants." However, while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. The father ran to his son, embraced him, and welcomed him home with a ring, sandals, and a celebration, saying, "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
Additionally, the parable teaches about the nature of true repentance. The son's decision to return home was not out of entitlement or a desire to resume his previous life of luxury, but rather genuine remorse and a willingness to accept the consequences of his actions, even if it meant a lower status in his father's household. This humility and self-reflection are key aspects of repentance, and the father's response shows that forgiveness is granted not because the son had earned it but because of the father's gracious love.
Finally, the parable also offers a message of hope and redemption. The son's return from a life of misery and poverty symbolizes the transformative power of forgiveness and the opportunity for a fresh start. No matter how lost or broken one may feel, the parable assures that it is never too late to turn back and find forgiveness and restoration. This message of hope and redemption is at the heart of the Christian faith, and it continues to inspire and offer solace to people from all walks of life.
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The father's hands as a symbol of God's mercy
Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son" is a renowned 17th-century oil painting, considered by many to be one of the greatest pictures ever painted. The painting depicts the Biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, who returns home in a wretched state after wasting his inheritance and falling into poverty and despair. The painting is a powerful representation of the parable's message of forgiveness and homecoming.
The father's hands in the painting are a striking element, often interpreted as a symbol of God's mercy and compassion. The left hand appears larger and more masculine, resting on the son's shoulder, while the right hand is softer and more receptive in gesture. This juxtaposition of masculine and feminine energy in the father's hands suggests a duality of mothering and fathering, reflecting the all-encompassing nature of God's love and mercy.
Art historian H. W. Janson describes the painting as "his [Rembrandt's] quietest—a moment stretching into eternity. So pervasive is the mood of tender silence that the viewer feels a kinship with this group". Janson's interpretation highlights the emotional depth conveyed by the father's hands, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound silence that speaks volumes about forgiveness and reconciliation.
Dutch priest Henri Nouwen, deeply moved by the painting, wrote a book titled "The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming". In his book, Nouwen explores his personal encounter with the painting and how it brought him closer to God. He reflects on the phases of his life, seeing himself in the roles of both the younger and older son, as well as the father, demonstrating the universal appeal and resonance of the parable.
Through the powerful imagery of the father's hands, Rembrandt masterfully conveys the spiritual concept of mercy becoming flesh. The hands, illuminated by light, serve as a focal point for the characters in the painting and viewers alike. They symbolise the transformative power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. The father's embrace welcomes the returning son, reflecting God's joy at the homecoming of a sinner who has come to his senses and seeks reconciliation.
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Rembrandt's earlier sketches and etchings of the parable
A quick Google search reveals that Rembrandt's painting "The Return of the Prodigal Son" was created around the year 1669. Now, let's focus on Rembrandt's earlier sketches and etchings related to this parable:
Rembrandt's exploration of the parable of the Prodigal Son through sketches and etchings offers a fascinating insight into his creative process and his interpretation of this powerful Biblical narrative. Before embarking on the final painting, Rembrandt, a master of drawing and etching, created several preparatory works that capture different moments and emotions within the story. These earlier works provide a window into his artistic development and his deep engagement with the parable's themes.
One of the earliest known sketches by Rembrandt depicting this parable can be found in a sketchbook from around 1636-1637. In this quick, yet expressive drawing, we see the Prodigal Son kneeling before his father, who is seated. The son appears distressed, with his hands clasped in supplication, while the father seems to be welcoming him with open arms. This sketch captures the moment of reconciliation and forgiveness, which is a central theme in the parable and, evidently, one that resonated with the artist.
Another series of etchings, likely created in the mid-1640s, provide a more comprehensive illustration of the parable. These etchings show that Rembrandt was experimenting with different compositions and perspectives. One etching focuses on the moment when the Prodigal Son is feeding the pigs, a low point in his journey, while another depicts the son's return and the father's joyful welcome. In these etchings, Rembrandt plays with light and shadow to create dramatic effects, emphasizing the emotional intensity of each scene.
In one particularly notable etching, Rembrandt captures a moment not often depicted in artistic interpretations of the parable: the elder son's anger and jealousy. In this work, we see the elder son, who remains loyal and obedient, standing with his arms crossed, his face a mask of resentment as he watches his father embrace the wayward younger son. This etching demonstrates Rembrandt's interest in exploring the complex emotions and dynamics within the parable, going beyond the traditional focus on the Prodigal Son himself.
These earlier sketches and etchings not only showcase Rembrandt's exceptional draftsmanship and technical skill but also provide a glimpse into his thought process as he worked towards the final painting. Through these works, we can trace his evolving interpretation of the parable, his emphasis on certain characters and moments, and his ability to convey a range of emotions and narratives through his art. They serve as a reminder that even a master like Rembrandt refined and developed his ideas over time, ultimately leading to the creation of one of his most renowned and impactful paintings.
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Frequently asked questions
The painting was likely completed within two years of Rembrandt's death in 1668 or 1669.
The painting depicts the moment of the prodigal son's return to his father in the Biblical parable. The son has wasted his inheritance and fallen into poverty and kneels before his father, seeking forgiveness and a place in the family.
Art historians have described the painting as "the greatest picture ever painted." Rembrandt's mastery of realism, psychological insight, and spiritual awareness in the painting is considered the height of his art.
The painting is a work of the Dutch master, Rembrandt. It is among his final works and is currently part of the collection of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
