The Departure of the Prodigal Son
1630
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
1630
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
This photo shows a long, grand hallway with tall arches and columns on both sides. The floor is made of polished black-and-white tiles in a checkerboard pattern. A few people walk down the middle, and one person sits on the steps to the left, while another child plays with a small dog nearby. The lighting is dramatic, with dark shadows making the architecture look even more imposing. The space feels empty except for the few figures, which makes it feel quiet and serious. This kind of lighting is called *chiaroscuro*—look it up to see how artists use it.
