The Return of the Prodigal Son

The Return of the Prodigal Son features one of the most famous parables of Jesus in which a father and son are reunited.

Like many Rembrandt paintings it uses the contrast between light and shade to draw the viewers focus to the main characters in the scene.

According to the Biblical account, the Prodigal Son leaves his father’s house with his early inheritance in hand only to return years later destitute and begging to be accepted back into the family’s home as a servant, as he no longer felt deserving of his father’s honor.

To his astonishment, his father welcomes the son back with open arms and rejoices while another son is undoubtedly scorned by such a reaction from his father.

The painting perfectly captures the moment of the Prodigal Son’s return to his father as he lovingly begs for forgiveness at his feet. The father is seen consoling his son as the brother looks on angrily.

The painting has been praised by art enthusiasts and critics for the emotional moment that is captured in the scene, as well as the extreme level of detail.