Prodigal Son Wasting His Fortune 1540

Sebald Beham's 1540 engraving, "Prodigal Son Wasting His Fortune," depicts the biblical story of the Prodigal Son. In the scene, the son is shown surrounded by women in a garden, wasting his inheritance on feasting and pleasure. Beham, a German printmaker of the Renaissance period, captured the intricate details of the scene, highlighting the son's lavish lifestyle through the abundance of food on the table and the elegant clothing of the figures. The engraving's small size emphasizes the intimate nature of the subject matter, offering a glimpse into the son's personal struggle and moral decline. The piece is a poignant reminder of the consequences of wasteful living and the importance of pursuing a righteous path.