The Prodigal Son
1635
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1635
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This print shows five people in a grand room with tall windows and fancy moldings. On the right, a man in a hat and cloak stands with his arms crossed, while another man in a wide-brimmed hat leans on a cane, looking down. A woman in a dress watches them, and a child holds a small object. To the left, a man in dark clothes leans on a pillar, looking out at a busy street scene with horses and buildings. The text around the edges tells a story—this is a scene from the Bible about a son who wastes his money and returns home. The mix of indoor drama and outdoor life makes it feel like two worlds colliding. Next, check out Baroque to see how this style used bold contrasts and action.
