The Prodigal Son

About this work

This sketch shows five rough, inked figures in quick, loose lines. Two people on the left stand close together, one holding a bundle. In the middle, a figure stands alone, arms at their sides. On the right, two more huddle—one kneeling, the other leaning in. The lines are shaky, like hurried notes. The artist used heavy ink in some spots to darken shadows, especially on the kneeling figure’s cloak. This makes the scene feel urgent, like a moment frozen in time. Next, look up technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.