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The Prodigal Son Squandering His Inheritance on Harlots

Dirck Volckertz Coornhert

1548

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

The Prodigal Son Squandering His Inheritance on Harlots is a 1548 ink by Dirck Volckertz Coornhert, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Dirck Volckertz Coornhert
When & what style?: 1548 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut depicts a scene of revelry, with a central figure surrounded by women and men in various states of undress. The atmosphere is one of abandon, with figures embracing and drinking from cups. In the background, a cityscape is visible, with buildings and a bridge. The scene is rendered in fine detail, with intricate lines and textures that give the image a sense of depth and dimensionality. The use of brown laid paper adds a warm, earthy tone to the image. The woodcut's intricate details and lively scene make it a compelling example of Renaissance art. To learn more about the artist's style and technique, explore the works of Albrecht Dürer.