1540
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Prodigal Son Tending the Swine is a 1540 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a man standing in a wooded area, leaning on a staff. Around him are several pigs—some standing, some lying down—with one nursing its young. The background has tall trees and rocky hills, while a small castle sits far off in the distance. The man’s tired posture and the pigs suggest a story about hard times. The Latin text at the top hints at a biblical tale, but the focus here is on the rough textures and deep shadows. Next, check out how this image was made using engraving.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
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