The Departure of the Prodigal Son
1577
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1577
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a group of people walking in a courtyard. One man in a wide-brimmed hat leads a dog, while another man in a long cape strides ahead. A woman in a fancy dress watches from the side. The walls behind them have small paintings and statues, and a balcony with plants and vases. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and emotion. The scene looks like it’s about leaving—maybe a journey or a big change. Try looking up cross-hatching to see how artists create depth with lines.
