Parable of the Prodigal Son (detail) 1536

This detail from Jan van Hemessen's 1536 painting, "Parable of the Prodigal Son," depicts a woman in a white cap, seated at a table with others. The woman's lively expression and gestures suggest she is enjoying a meal, possibly a celebratory feast. The artist's keen attention to detail is evident in the depiction of the woman's textured clothing and the carefully rendered foodstuffs on the table. This detail illustrates the artist's skill in capturing the nuances of human emotion and everyday life, which are hallmark characteristics of Northern Renaissance art.