1882
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Prodigal Son is a 1882 ink by William Strang, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a bearded man sitting outdoors, looking up and resting his chin on his hand. He’s dressed in loose, simple clothes, with one arm wrapped around his knees. Nearby, a cow stands calmly, grazing on grass. In the background, a small town with a church steeple and trees appears faintly. The artist used fine lines to show light and shadow, making the scene feel quiet and thoughtful. The way the man’s body language and the cow’s stillness contrast adds a peaceful mood. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Strang carved this image into metal.
William Strang (13 February 1859 – 12 April 1921) was a Scottish painter and printmaker, notable for illustrating the works of Bunyan, Cervantes, Coleridge, Kipling, and others.
See the richer artist page
