Who painted The Prodigal Son?

The Prodigal Son was painted by Unknown in 1701.

Where can I see The Prodigal Son?

The Prodigal Son is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Prodigal Son?

The Prodigal Son is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Prodigal Son

Unknown , 1701

The Prodigal Son is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled “The Prodigal Son” is a pen drawing executed with brown ink and a gray wash on laid paper. Rendered as a quick study, it depicts a solitary figure seated beneath a tree, his head supported by one hand as he gazes upward. In the background, three grazing goats or sheep occupy a uneven, grassy slope, while the sky is suggested by faint, gestural strokes.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure appears contemplative, perhaps reflecting the biblical narrative of the prodigal son’s return and repentance. The surrounding pastoral setting, with its modest herd and sparse vegetation, underscores themes of humility and return to a simple life after excess, aligning the composition with the moral tone of the story.

Technique & Style

The artist employs dense cross‑hatching, layering thin, overlapping lines to model form and convey shadow. This method creates a textured surface that resembles woven fabric. Sketchy, rapid lines define the trees and sky, reinforcing the work’s spontaneous, study‑like character and emphasizing gesture over precise detail.

History & Provenance

Created as a pen and ink drawing on laid paper, the piece is catalogued as a study rather than a finished composition. Its provenance is not documented in the supplied information, and no specific date or artist attribution is provided, leaving its origin and subsequent ownership unclear.