The Prodigal Son
1535
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1535
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Prodigal Son is a 1535 by Sebald Beham, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a group of four men in a rural setting. One man, dressed in simple clothes, kneels with his hands clasped, while another in fine robes stands over him, reaching out. A third man in armor watches from the side, and a fourth kneels nearby, holding a staff. In the background, a castle and trees frame the scene. The kneeling man looks like he’s asking for help, while the man in robes seems to be deciding whether to give it. The Latin text at the top roughly means “Father, give me my share of the property.” This is a scene about forgiveness and second chances. If you like this style, check out chiaroscuro—it’s the dramatic use of light and shadow to create depth.
