The Prodigal Son (2nd Plate)

The Prodigal Son (2nd Plate)

Alphonse Legros

1884

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a lone person kneeling in a wooded area. They’re hunched over, hands resting on their knees, staring at the ground. Tall trees and dense bushes fill the background, with a faint path winding through the scene. The rough, sketchy lines give the print a raw, unfinished feel—like a quick study rather than a polished work. The artist focused on mood over detail, letting the shadows and texture tell the story. If this style intrigues you, look into Realism next.

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