Artwork

The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs

The Prodigal Son:  The Prodigal Tending the Pigs, by Abraham Bosse, 1635
The Prodigal Son:  The Prodigal Tending the Pigs, by Abraham Bosse, 1635

The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs is a print by the Baroque artist Abraham Bosse. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1929.560.3

About this work

Overview

The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs is a 1635 print by Abraham Bosse, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a young man, dressed in a tunic and leggings, sitting on a rock and playing a pipe, surrounded by pigs and a landscape with trees and a cloudy sky. The scene is likely inspired by the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, with the figures standing out against the background. This technique was characteristic of Baroque art, which often employed strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and drama.

The Prodigal Son as a Swineherd
The Prodigal Son as a Swineherd, Abraham Bosse

Artist & collection

Portrait of Abraham Bosse

Artist

Abraham Bosse

Abraham Bosse (c. 1604 – 14 February 1676) was a French artist, mainly as a printmaker in etching, but also in watercolour.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs?

The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs was painted by Abraham Bosse in 1635.

Where can I see The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs?

The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs?

The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs?

Museum-quality prints of The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.