The Prodigal Son, 6th plate (L'enfant prodigue)
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a tired-looking person kneeling in a rough, rocky field. They’re holding a curved staff and resting their head on their arm, looking down. In the background, a sheep lies nearby, and distant hills fade into wavy lines under a cloudy sky. The artist used sharp, scratchy lines to show the person’s exhaustion and the uneven ground. The technique makes the scene feel raw and emotional. Next, check out etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists create these textures.
