Artwork
The Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son is a print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1497 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1940.890
- Credit line
- Bequest of James Parmelee
About this work
Overview
Albrecht Dürer's engraving, The Prodigal Son, dates to around 1497. It is a notable work by a prominent figure in the German Renaissance.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving illustrates a scene from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, showing the son in a state of destitution, kneeling in a courtyard surrounded by pigs. His worn face and tattered clothing convey his desperation.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Dürer's skill in engraving, with detailed renderings of the protagonist and his surroundings. The background features tall buildings and distant figures, executed with a softer focus.
Context
The Prodigal Son is part of Dürer's broader oeuvre, which includes engravings and altarpieces that demonstrate his artistic range and technical proficiency.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Dürer spent his life in Nuremberg, a busy German city where artists traded prints like currency.
![Madonna and Child [obverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--madonna-and-child-obverse--d7b8ebf05d22ebe5-w320.webp)
![Lot and His Daughters [reverse], by Albrecht Dürer](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albrecht-durer--lot-and-his-daughters-reverse--b4ebf9b282faa17a-w320.webp)
